Introducing the 2021 Artist Cohort of the Akin Studio Program
Akin is thrilled to announce the 2021 cohort of the Akin Studio Program a unique initiative that provides studio space to more than 20 local visual artists and cultural practitioners in partnership with the Auto BLDG - Castlepoint Numa at 158 Sterling Rd in Toronto. Selected by an independent jury of local artists, curators and arts professionals, the 2021 artist cohort have begun to move into in the building they will call their creative home for the duration of the year. Similar to Akin’s other locations, the space will foster a community atmosphere and the exchange of ideas.
In its 3rd year of existence, and located in the same building as the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, participation in this program in past years has led to extended relationships and exposure to a diverse population of curators, gallery owners, and art-lovers who frequent the Toronto art scene. Like all of Akin's studios, the AUTO Bldg Studio program is an opportunity for connection and collaboration among talented emerging artists and idea-mavericks!
We feel very fortunate that we have been able to continue in the building thanks to our new landlords Castlepoint Numa, and are so grateful to all of the artists and individuals who made the first two years of the Akin Studio Program an amazing experience!
Akin Studio Program 2021 Artist Cohort | Auto BLDG 158 Sterling Rd
Click the thumbnails below to visit each artist’s website and learn more about them and their work:
Quotes from the artists:
When it is safe to do so, the 2021 Akin Studio Program Artists hope to share their practices with visitors through programs such as open studio events, and virtual events like the upcoming Show&Tell (see below). For now, here are some quotes from some of the cohort about their work and process. We encourage you to visit their websites as well to learn more. Click the tumbnails above to visit each artist’s website.
“... I’ve been able to develop a visual language that speaks to things like the growth and development of Black youth and the effects our environment can have on our growth, as well as the negative stereotypes that can get imposed”
“Right now I am working to unmake my existing archive of drawings and paintings while researching the history of destruction within the art world to help identify the difference between acts of destroying versus acts of unmaking.”
“I go to my studio every weekday and try to work there at least for 6 - 7 hours until I feel I’m moving forward with a particular project at that time. Currently, I’m developing a project that requires lots of tedious labour, so my studio routine is pretty strict.”
“I like using a combination of abstraction and representation. ie:Abstract elements such as space, line and pattern interact with representation drawings; of my daughters, trees or vegetation, sometimes my own hands doing things (sewing or drawing), and my own face. I find it’s a way to integrate narrative into the formal components I am attracted to. ”
“The idea of birds and the idea of land (among the many other pulses found in the unconscious mind) seem to me particularly interesting right now for what it says about us. What is Freedom? What is Place? Narrative and images illuminate the subtle negotiation of what is real and important in our lives.”
Would you like to know more? Meet the artists tomorrow (March 17)!
You are invited to meet some of the 2021 Artist Cohort at our upcoming Show & Tell Event on March 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. This virtual hangout will be a casual event where we discuss what's being worked on in the studio and how this select group all came to art in the first place. This is a FREE event- all are welcome!
Click here to read about the event and RSVP to the Show & Tell on Facebook.
Click here on March 17 at 6:30pm to attend the online event.
How it works: Join us on March 17 at 6:30 pm by using the link above. To make sure that each artist in the Year 3 group has a chance to speak, this Show & Tell will prioritize the AUTO Bldg artists' responses to a series of 3 questions of their choice. Further questions and comments from viewers can be placed in the Chat box during the event.
Accessibility:
Have a computer or mobile device? Then you're good to go! On the night of the event, copy and paste the link here
Captions available on-screen. Mobile phones may require a downloadable app from Google Hangouts. This session will not be recorded for personal privacy reasons. Should you have any additional accessibility accommodations, requests or ideas, please email erin@akincollective.com to discuss.