'Breakthrough' by Firouzeh Saremi Far coming to Remote Gallery

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This August, Remote Gallery will be hosting an exciting new exhibition by Akin Career Launcher recipient and OCADU graduate, Firouzeh Saremi Far. The exhibition, Breakthrough, will run August 15th & 16th from 1-8pm, at 568 Richmond St W. 

Breakthrough is a series of sculptural installations inspired by the quiet resilience of small plants that push through asphalt, fracturing hard surfaces as they grow toward light. Often unnoticed, these fragile forms embody persistence without spectacle. They became the central metaphor for this body of work: a quiet act of resistance and an enduring belief in growth despite pressure. Rather than presenting resilience as a final victory, Breakthrough understands it as an ongoing process: a continuous act of becoming. Breakthrough is a reminder that even the smallest act of continuing can become a powerful form of resistance.

Firouzeh Saremi Far (@firouzeh_saremifar) is a Toronto-based visual artist working across sculpture, installation, painting, and mixed media. Her practice explores the relationship between human experience and the natural world, examining themes of resilience, transformation, and hope. Through a material-driven process, she creates immersive works that translate emotional and environmental narratives into sculptural forms. Inspired by the quiet persistence of nature and the human capacity to overcome adversity, her work invites viewers to reflect on growth, adaptation, and the enduring search for light in times of uncertainty.

The Akin Career Launcher is a career-support opportunity for graduating students in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, and Sculpture & Installation at OCAD University. Offered in partnership with Akin, the award is facilitated by OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers. The award has been given annually since 2016.



Thank you for joining our Remote Gallery Summer Market and Exhibition!

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Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, July 18, for the Remote Gallery Summer Market and Exhibition!

This event marked our second Akin Member Summer Market and was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of our talented members.

All photos from the event featured in this post were captured by our talented summer intern, Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn), a fourth-year photography student at Sheridan College.

Thanks again to all that participated:

Photos: Marilyn Braun (@braun_marilyn)

 

Remote Gallery Summer Art Market & Exhibition - Sat July 18 from 1-6pm

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The summer art market is back at Remote Gallery.

Join us on Saturday, July 18 from 1–6pm for an afternoon of artwork, handmade goods, and conversations with artists from across the Akin community. Featuring 14 artists and makers working across ceramics, painting, illustration, textiles, crafts, and more, the market is an opportunity to discover new work and directly support local artists.

DATE: Saturday July 18
TIME: 1 - 6pm
LOCATION: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Free to attend, everyone welcome! 

Featuring 14 Artists + Makers!

Tap their image to discover more of their work on Instagram.

Whether you've joined us before or are visiting for the first time, we'd love to see you there. Follow @akinprojects on Instagram over the coming weeks for artist highlights and event updates.

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

Accessibility Information

Remote Gallery is located at street level and has a step-free entrance, with step-free access throughout the gallery space and in both gender-neutral washrooms. The entrance doors are 37" wide and operated by a push button system.

The washroom doors are not automated and have round door knobs. Each washroom provides a 5' turning radius, and the toilets are not raised. For more details about accessibility at Remote Gallery click here.

Between Breaths, Between Places

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Akin is proud to present Between Breaths, Between Places, an exhibition curated by Renato Baldin that features 14 members of the Akin Team, artists who are not only developing their own creative research, but who also form the team responsible for running and shaping the organization.

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Thank you for coming to the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market!

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Thank you to everyone who joined us on December 7th for the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market & Exhibition.

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Join us at the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market & Exhibition!

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Just in time for the holiday season, we’re excited to invite you to the Remote Gallery Winter Art Market & Exhibition. Come support local artists and grab the perfect handmade gifts for your loved ones. Akin artists from across the city will be selling ceramics, paintings, jewellry, illustrations, crafts and more!

DATE: Sunday December 7, 2025

TIME: 1 - 6pm

LOCATION: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Free to attend, everyone welcome!

Featuring 15 Artists and Makers:

Amos Marsters @aquariustheghost

Atelier Cassis @cassisechoes

Beyond Arts www.beyondarts.ca

Pauline Douady @pauline_douady

Eddie Chong

EvanK @evank_paints

I Spin Clay @ispinclay

ink & anchor studio @inkandanchor_

Studios Galuppo @StudiosGaluppo

Katryna Shreyer @katryna35mm

Tai’s Art @jayutai

Leila Refahi @leilarefahi.art

Studio Lü @studio.lu.yyz 

Jessica O’Lear @jessica_olear

Olivier Forgues @olivierforguesart

We can’t wait to see you there. Follow @akinprojects on Instagram for artist highlights and event updates!

Accessibility information: Remote Gallery is located at street level and has a step-free entrance, with step-free access throughout the gallery space and in both gender-neutral washrooms. The entrance doors are 37" wide and operated by a push button system.

The washroom doors are not automated and have round door knobs. Each washroom provides a 5' turning radius, and the toilets are not raised. For more details about accessibility at Remote Gallery click here.

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

Thank You for being part of Akin Richmond-Bathurst's Open Studio

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Akin art studios for rent richmont bathurst open house

Collaborative creative experience hosted by Dimitra Aristea (@di.composing). Photo by Yue (Jessie) Yang (@y.jiexij)

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday at Akin Richmond-Bathurst for our Open Studio as part of Ontario Culture Days. Our members worked hard to create an exciting day of  live painting demonstrations, creative collaborations, a variety of artwork for sale and beautiful displays of art. A huge thank you to everyone who came by and special thanks to our talented artists, our volunteers and our staff. 

Here are some photos from the event. Enjoy!

 

Left: Akin Member Vicky Vyas posing with the Akin banner (@vickyvyasinsta).

Middle: Olivier Forgues painting in his studio (@olivierforguesart). Photo credit: Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid).

Right: Akin Studio Manager Theresa Hopkins posing at the Akin welcome table (@thopkinsart).

Left: Emily Simek working in her studio (@emilysimekart).

Middle: Dimitra Aristea posing in her studio (@di.composing).

Right: Amos Marsters posing in front of their studio (@amosmarsters).

All photos taken by Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid).

Left: Pauline Douady in their studio (@pauline_douady).

Middle: Lotus Che studio (@lotusleafxyz).

Right: Sarah Conway offering pastel portrait commissions in their studio (@sarahterra.art). Photo credit: Vera Truong (@thecreativehybrid)

Left: Quinn Hopkins presenting work on a projector (@noodinstudio).

Middle: Collaborative creative experience hosted by Dimitra Aristea (@di.composing).

Right: Andres Dominguez live painting demonstration (@andresdominguez.artist).

Image Descriptions: Photos from the open studio showing various Akin Richmond-Bathurst artists in their studios posing or working on artwork, visitors participating in collaborative drawing and painting at a large table covered in paper and art materials, an Akin member posing in front of the Akin banner, and an Akin staff sitting at a welcome table. 

“Searing Pain” solo exhibition by Akin Career Launcher Award Winner Haley Meyer at Remote Gallery

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Searing Pain, Haley Meyers’ first solo show, explores the relationship between transitional places and memory loss, using fleeting images taken while in transit to reflect how memories slip, fade, and blur over time. 


“Pain describes emotional and physical discomfort caused by an illness. Searing refers to the intensity of this pain; how sharply it can cut through your life, burning and impossible to ignore. In this case, Searing Pain represents the experience of living with memory loss caused by a long-term illness. It is not a singular moment, but a continuous ailment that replaces life's experiences with half-rendered, half-imposed versions of reality. 

The interior of a moving car, the windshield catching fractured lights, and the blurred landscapes of a passing world. These fleeting moments mimic the experience of living with memory loss; indistinct and unreachable memories that vanish as quickly as they appeared. Through painting, I confront this Searing Pain. Working from digital photographs taken from the passenger seat of a moving car, I preserve fading experiences, extending their lives through slow and deliberate reconstruction. Each painting houses a different memory; they are mnemonic tools used to hold what my memory cannot. Painting becomes an active resistance to memory loss, a means of holding onto what is on the verge of disappearing.”

- Haley Meyer

 

'Searing Pain'
Haley Meyer
October 2-5
Remote Gallery
568 Richmond St W

Opening Reception:
October 2nd, 6-9pm

Gallery Hours:
Friday October 3rd: 12-6 PM
Saturday October 4th: 12-6 PM
Sunday October 5th: 1-5 PM

Haley Meyer is an oil painter & printmaker based in Toronto. Her first solo show, Searing Pain, will be held at Remote Gallery from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Haley has received three Career Launcher opportunities in association with OCAD University and was awarded the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto Foundation Ina Gilbert Visual Arts Award. She is a recent graduate from OCAD University’s Drawing & Painting program with a minor in Printmaking & Publications. 

Haley is a recipient of the Akin Career Launcher Award. The Akin Career Launcher Award is a career-support opportunity for graduating students in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, and Sculpture & Installation at OCAD University. Offered in partnership with Akin, the award is facilitated by OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers.

haley-meyer.format.com | @haleymeyerart

“Close Your Eyes, Heal in a Parallel World” solo exhibition by Akin Career Launcher Award Winner Firouzeh Saremi Far at Remote Gallery

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“Close Your Eyes, Heal in a Parallel World” is a body of work exploring the relationship between the human spirit and the natural world. Rooted in moments of personal reflection, the series draws inspiration from the ephemeral transition before sunrise, when darkness surrenders to the soft, bluish light of dawn. This fleeting moment, filled with quiet promise and subtle transformation, becomes a portal: a threshold between stillness and movement, between hardship and renewal.

Standing in nature with my eyes closed, I feel its rhythms—the hush of rivers, the rustle of wind, the resilience of trees, the smell of damp earth and fallen leaves, the distant call of birds, the crackle of dry twigs beneath my feet, the flutter of wings just beyond my sight, and the purity of air—gently pulling me into alignment with something greater than myself. In this harmony of sound, scent, texture, and light, a sacred alignment begins to form within me. Nature, without effort or intention, invites me back to myself.

Through this work, I seek to capture the healing power that lies in these moments of connection. In a world increasingly marked by disconnection and pressure, I invite viewers to pause, to breathe, and to imagine a parallel world where nature offers refuge and restoration. Like a nurturing presence, nature embraces those who seek solace; not by erasing pain, but by holding space for transformation.”

- Firouzeh Saremi Far

 

'Close Your Eyes, Heal in a Parallel World'
Firouzeh Saremi Far
Sept. 20 & 21
Remote Gallery
568 Richmond St W

Opening Reception:
Sat., Sept. 20 5-8pm

Gallery Hours:
Sat., Sept. 20: 12 - 8pm
Sun., Sept. 21: 12 - 5pm

Firouzeh Saremi Far is is a visual artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her artistic practice is an ongoing exploration of the intersections between human experience and environmental influences, reflecting different themes of identity, transformation, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the emotional intensity of Expressionism and the limitless forms of Abstract Art, her works seek to invoke a dialogue on human matters. Her goal is to create art that not only occupies space but also serves as a catalyst for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to consider their connection to the world and the impact of their presence within it.

Firouzeh is a recipient of the Akin Career Launcher Award. The Akin Career Launcher Award is a career-support opportunity for graduating students in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, and Sculpture & Installation at OCAD University. Offered in partnership with Akin, the award is facilitated by OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers.

www.firouzehsaremifar.com | @firouzeh_saremifar

Thank you for coming to the Remote Gallery Art Market & Exhibition!

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Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 7th for the Remote Gallery Art Market & Exhibition. This event marked the recent expansion of Remote Gallery, and it was an opportunity to come together, celebrate the space, and highlight the work of our talented Akin members.

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Claire Correia’s sculpture, Steadfast, on now at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

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Image Description: Steadfast installation in the Akin Vitrine Gallery featuring intricate sculpted leaves hanging from wires with a blue angel sculpture in the centre. The installation hangs against a white wall.

 

We’re excited to welcome long-time Akin Member Claire Correia’s beautiful installation, Steadfast, to the Akin Vitrine Gallery this summer! Steadfast is an aerial sculpture/mobile made of pressed copper leaves, flame-worked and cast glass, brass and zinc wire.

Viewable 24/7 from the street, the Akin Vitrine Gallery is located at Akin St Clair,  1747 St Clair Ave West. Be sure to swing by the gallery to have a look. Steadfast will be on until July 31st. 

Meet Artist Claire Correia

Claire Correia:  “I am a project-based artist working with fire, glass, wood, and unexpected materials. For me, each project feels alchemical: mysterious, labour-intensive, and often unfolding late at night in a quiet, dark studio. Since joining Akin Collective in 2011, my practice has moved increasingly toward three-dimensional work. Recently, I’ve been exploring natural rhythms — particularly how wind, light, and energy move in waves — through a series of mobiles. I’m drawn to their gentle, shifting motion and how they bring a sense of calm and balance to the spaces they occupy.

As the project develops, I look forward to making and installing these mobiles at different scales, both indoors and out, to see how they respond to changing light, air currents, and weather. I’m especially curious about how environmental factors shape the viewer’s sense of space in relation to the sculptures — and how each setting invites a unique form of attention and engagement with them.”

 

Image Description: Claire is standing and smiling in front of a display of her artwork. She is wearing a colourful patterned top, a green skit, and has round blue glasses on.

 

About Steadfast 

Claire Correia: “One evening, I was out walking with my dog in the twilight when a breeze swept up a large eddy of leaves ahead of us. As the leaf tornado crossed the street, a fox ran out from its centre and disappeared into a nearby garden. That unexpected glimpse of something wild and magical in our quiet city neighbourhood has stayed with me ever since—and helped inspire the Steadfast mobile.

At the centre of Steadfast is an angel—like the fox—surrounded by swirling leaves. Both are creatures known to carry messages between worlds. So, is the angel a messenger, urging us to remain steady in uncertain times? An omen? A talisman of faith? Or a glimpse of something that’s always watching over us, guiding us, but usually unseen? Steadfast invites us to pause, to wonder, and to trust what we see in the living world—even if we’re not sure what it means.”

Image Description: Claire's sketchbook, open to reveal two pages of fine line drawings of the steadfast installation design process, with written notes.

Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Claire Correia: “I’m thinking a lot about Deep Sea Nodules. What?! They are potato-sized rocks that cover thousands of square kilometres in the darkest parts of the ocean floor. Down there there is no light, no current, and there would be no marine life if these rocks did not PRODUCE OXYGEN (so are they in some way ALIVE?!). Deep sea mining companies are set to begin harvesting DSNs because they are rich in the minerals used in car batteries. We know so very little about what is down there in the deep sea and it’s importance to ecological balance in the world…..”

 

Image Description: the individual pieces of the Steadfast installation on a metal tray, arranged by size. The pieces have thin wires attached to leaf shapes.

 


Akin: What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration? 

CC: “Oh I listen, read, watch, look and walk. Especially with dogs and friends!!”

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Akin: Do you have a studio routine ie: Are you a daily ritual person or are you project-focused in spurts?  

CC: “I don’t have a regular routine - I’m project-based and focus intensely on a body of work, then rest for a while before jumping into the next project. I usually work at night, when I can turn off the ‘house lights’ and just have my personal incandescent (warm) lights on. I find having tools lined up and research done before beginning work is really important to my studio practice. This might sound odd, but I feel the space must be prepared a certain way to kind of ‘let the spirits in’.”

 

Image Description: Claire's desk in her akin St Clair Studio, a work lap is above a table covered in tools and materials for glass and metal work. Around the table intricately patterned metal plates are leaning against the wall.

 

Akin: Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?

CC: “Creative habit: I have a terrible memory, so I always carry a dot-grid notebook and fill it with references, info, ideas and thoughts. It’s not a diary though; I avoid writing anything deeply personal in the book. Self-care tips: Drink a lot of water. Ask for help and guidance. Be friendly to your neighbours. Remember that most people are good. Look for beauty everywhere.”

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Akin: Are you reading/listening to/watching right now which is inspiring you? If so, how?  

CC: “I read The Atlantic and the NY Times for obvious reasons. I’m listening to the Zen Studies podcast - because after a very dark stretch of years, I’m looking for some light.

I’m reading The Plant Eaters: How the unseen world of plant intelligence offers a new understanding of life on Earth, by Zoe Schlanger - because it’s fascinating, dense with mind-boggling information, and well-written!”

 

Image Description: Claire's desk in her akin St Clair Studio, a work lap is above a table covered in tools and materials for glass and metal work. Around the table intricately patterned metal plates are leaning against the wall.

 

Akin: What does your Akin studio mean to you? What brought you to Akin? 

CC: “I came to Akin Lansdowne in 2011 because it was just the right time to get a studio. In that beautiful space I was welcomed into the most amazing community of artists - many of whom are friends to this day. Through the years, being with Akin has allowed me to make art downtown in the big city, always have a place to go where I am an artist FIRST, and importantly - be part of an ever-expanding community of like-minded, open and fascinating creative people.”

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Akin: What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art? What have you learned? 

CC: “The things I’ve learned about creating art may not obviously seem to be about creating art, but really they are: 1. Take care of your mental health and talk to someone if you feel unbalanced. 2. Talk to the people you love; Deal with interpersonal problems before they have a chance to go deep.

Advice to my younger self: If you’re not sure about something, ask yourself “What have you got to lose?” If the answer is “Nothing”, just do it.”


Learn more about Claire’s work by visiting her website clairecorreia.com or on instagram @claire.correia or, sit on her public bench in front of the No Frills on Hannah Avenue, in Liberty Village!

Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St. Clair Avenue West

 

Akin Davisville Open Studio - Doors Open Toronto 2025!

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A poster featuring two images of Akin Studios: one showing a potter’s studio with a wheel and shelving, the other a painter’s studio with artwork on the walls and an easel. Both spaces have white walls and sunlit windows.The text reads: 'Akin Davisville Open Studio! Three floors of studios. All are welcome. May 24 & 25, 10 AM – 5 PM, 244 Merton St.' Below the text, the Akin and Doors Open Toronto logos are displayed."

 

We’re thrilled to announce that Akin Davisville will be participating in Doors Open Toronto 2025 (@doors_opento), taking place on May 24–25, 2025.

As part of this city-wide celebration of Toronto’s architectural, cultural, and creative spaces, Akin Davisville will open its studio doors to the public for the very first time. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work and community inside Akin Davisville.

Located at 224 Merton Street, Akin Davisville is home to a diverse group of emerging and established artists working in painting, illustration, textile art, sculpture, mixed media, and more. During Doors Open, guests are invited to tour the studios, meet the artists, and learn about their creative practices through informal talks, demos, and in-studio displays.

Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street

 

The theme of this year's Door’s Open Toronto is ‘Play’. In response, will be creating a ‘Jam Wall,’ an interactive, evolving piece of artwork where artists and participants can collage, paint and draw on a collaborative art piece that will be displayed in the studio. Drop in and take part! 

Event Details: Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street
Dates: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2025
Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What to Expect: Open studios, artist meet-and-greets, artwork on display, family-friendly activities

Accessibility Info: Akin Davisville consists of three floors of studios, all of which have elevator access from the main entrance way. There are single stall gender neutral bathrooms on each floor. More accessibility detail can be found here.

Admission is free and all are welcome!

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of the incredibly talented artists working at this studio, so stay tuned! We can’t wait to welcome you into our space. 

Akin Members at The Artist Project 2025

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The Artist Project is back from May 8–11, showcasing over 250 independent artists—and we’re thrilled to have five of our members participating, including two featured in the Untapped section!

A special shoutout to Leah Oates and all of our alumni members: Alyssa King, Ashley Snook, Carolina Reis, Chris Harms, Kath Zhou, Stephanie Avery, Tony Cruz, and Curt Gaudon.

Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

With love,
Akin

Abby Gowland

Akin Richmond-Bathurst member Abby Gowland (@abbygowland_art) is an emerging Canadian Printmaker and Queen’s University BFAH graduate (2024). She creates intricate floral patterns using the traditional technique of drypoint with black ink and white paper. Gowland practices at Open Studios in Toronto and has exhibited across Canada.

Find her in the UNTAPPED section

Janne Reuss

Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janne Reuss (@jannereuss) was born and raised in Mexico City and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. She has been a professional practicing artist for more than two decades, having lived, worked and exhibited her artwork in Mexico, United States, Germany, Italy and Canada. She studied Fine Arts at the Academy of Art & Design in Stuttgart, Germany and History of Art in Mexico City. Her preferred media are photography and collage, but she also paints, often cycling fluidly between the three. Through the metaphor of trees and branches she inquires how experiences of home and place are imprinted deep inside of her. She layers her photographs - often overpainting them - in order to recreate the intricate process of remembering. Janne’s work is held in private and public collections including the Donovan Art Collection at St. Michael’s College (Canada) and the Municipal Gallery of Ostfildern (Germany).

Kris Cvetkovic

Akin Queen East member Kris Cvetkovic (@kriscartist) is an artist living and working in Toronto. His themes focus on organized chaos and interconnectedness found in both natural and urban patterns.

Akin Richmond-Bathurst Meera Dinh (@m.sarts) is a Vietnamese artist based in Toronto who specializes in oil painting. Her work delves into the complexity of female identity, transforming personal and external experiences into dynamic compositions rich with intimacy, eroticism, and transformation. She completed her Honours BFA in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in 2024.

Find her in the UNTAPPED section

Miles Ingrassia

Akin Dupont member Miles Ingrassia (@milesingrassia) is a painter with a background in printmaking and has collaborated with other artists to produce limited-run fine art editions. His practice explores masculinity through the male figure, drawing from his experiences growing up in Hamilton, Ontario. Through a delicate interplay of violence and tenderness, his paintings investigate the complexities of contemporary masculinity, highlighting its contested position between inherited norms and evolving identities.

Akin Niagara – Pop-Up Exhibition | April 5th

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Join us for the Akin Niagara Pop-Up Exhibition, a one-night-only event! This casual drop-in gathering will showcase the creative work of the Akin Niagara artists.

Featuring artwork by Chris Gardiner, Chloe Griffin, Bianca Guimarães de Manuel, Gabriela Laconsay, Tim Mikula, & Amita Sen Gupta.

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