Announcing Tenfold, Akin Dupont’s 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition

 
 
 

Tenfold, Akin Dupont’s 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

Opening Night Reception:
Thurs Oct 8: 6-9pm

Gallery Hours:
Fri Oct 9: 4-8pm
Sat Oct 10: 1-5pm

This year, Akin Dupont celebrates its tenth anniversary. To mark this milestone, Akin Dupont artists are bringing their work together in a collective exhibition, Tenfold, which will take place at Remote Gallery from October 8-10th. 

Tenfold speaks both to this ten year journey and to the many ways creativity expands when developed collectively. It evokes layers unfolding through time—individual practices, stories, inspirations, and relationships woven together within a shared space.

While each artist explores distinct questions through their own techniques and visual language, Tenfold highlights the dialogues, affinities, and contrasts that emerge between their practices. Individual voices remain visible, while their shared experiences reveal the rich sense of exchange fostered within the Akin studio community.

More than a thematic exhibition, Tenfold presents an interwoven collection of artistic expressions that coexist, intersect, and strengthen one another. We invite you to experience this vibrant multiplicity and celebrate its value to artists, communities, and society.

Here’s to the next ten years!


Participating artists: 


Anne Kobayashi (@a.t.k.studio)

Barbara Bailey (@redsetterstudio)

Bernadette Peets (@b_peetsart)

Bettina Westwood (@bettinawestwood)

Beverley Rosenberg (@beverleyrosenbergart)

Carrie Fisher (@roadside.studio)

Eli Moser (@elhamos)

Hamid Mohammadi (@hamidxvi)

Loren Kaplan (@lorenkaplan)

Mark Buck (www.markbuck.art)

Miles Ingrassia (@milesingrassia)

MP Guillot (@mp__guillot)

Robert Simoni (@robertsimoniart)

Shayla Bond (@byshaylabond)

Tatjana Reithofer (@tatjana_anandamaya)

Veronica Zaretski


 

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W

 

Shayla Bond's reflections at the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency

We sat down with Akin Dupont member Shayla Bond (@byshaylabond) to talk about her experience during the August residency as the first recipient of the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency.

 

Akin: What were you working on during the residency? 

Shayla Bond: During my residency I worked on an intimate natural dye and memory project rooted in place, relearning natural dying through a reflective approach. I spent time walking the property and responsibly gathering plant materials and fallen matter that connected me to memories of Maus Park, my in-laws’ former 12 acre property near the Grand River in Paris, Ontario, a place that became deeply important to me over the past decade.

Rather than trying to recreate Maus Park, I was interested in exploring how a place can continue to live through memory, colour, and observation. I translated what I gathered into natural colour on cotton and linen, documenting each dye through technical notes, photographs, and written memories. The result became a swatch journal, an archive of relationships between plant, gathering site, colour, memory, atmosphere, and place. 

The residency finished with an artist talk where I shared the project and introduced the basics of natural dyeing. We then walked the Salmon River property together, stopping at places where dyestuffs had been gathered or where the landscape made me reflect of memories of Maus Park. At each stop, I read excerpts from my dye journal. Sharing those personal connections in the places where the colours originated became a particularly meaningful way to bring the project full circle and felt quite intimate. 

 
 

Akin: Did being away from your usual studio environment change how you worked?

SB: Yes, absolutely. I brought only the basic equipment and materials I needed and nothing more. In my usual studio, I’m surrounded, and sometimes inundated, by projects and works in progress.

The barn studio was so open and spacious, with these beautiful high ceilings. Having only the task at hand to focus on made me incredibly productive. I accomplished more dye tests than I had originally planned and found that I was able to take in and retain what I was learning more deeply. And the sound of the rain on the roof, wow!

 

Akin: What was your favourite part of your time at the residency/How did having dedicated time and space to work affect your practice?

SB: My favourite part was having dedicated time to let go of everything else and focus on a project that continuously gets pushed aside in favour of client work and commissions. That, combined with being immersed in nature and pretty off-grid, was truly restorative. It felt like the first time my cortisol levels had lowered in a while!

Eco-glamping is just comfortable enough that you still have your creature comforts, while keeping you really connected to nature. That side of the experience almost forces you to slow down, fully immerse yourself in the process, and let go of the distractions of daily life.

I had actually taken a week of vacation only two weeks before the residency, but it was nowhere near as restorative as this trip. So, I’d have to say my favourite part was the overall feeling of relaxation and having this little pocket of time away from the daily hustle and bustle, and to get back to play and exploration.

 

Akin: Did you develop any new techniques or ideas that you plan to continue exploring?

SB: During the residency, I returned to natural dyeing for the first time in 12 years. It gave me the chance to relearn the process, experiment with materials, and reconnect with techniques I’ve wanted to bring into my current practice for a long time.

Moving forward, I want to incorporate more naturally dyed materials into my quilting and textile work. I’m interested in gradually moving the beginning of my creative process further back, not just working with the fabric, but creating the colour itself.

 

Akin: Was there a particular moment, discovery, or day that stands out to you?

SB: The property is 52 acres, so there was a lot of land to walk and explore. When reading about the ethical harvesting of natural dyestuffs, I came across the philosophy, “Ask the plant for permission before harvesting, you will feel the answer.”

I really appreciated the idea and sentiment behind it. When I was gathering goldenrod from the eastern fields, I decided to ask the plant for permission, and I felt good about harvesting it. Later, when I went to gather goldenrod from the western fields, it just didn’t feel right, so I left it.

In that moment, I felt like I had formed an emotional bond with the land I was staying on. It felt quite profound to share that experience during my artist talk, and people really responded to it. I also read personal excerpts from the swatch and memory journal I created during the residency. Sharing those reflections felt very open, vulnerable, and beautiful.

Akin: What advice would you give to another Akin member considering a residency at Salmon River Studios, including what they should bring and anything you wish you had known before arriving?

SB: I was the first artist-in-residence at Salmon River Studios, so I walked into the experience somewhat blind. They had also basically finished building the space the day I arrived, but amazingly, I never would have known! They did such an incredible job putting everything together and had thought of pretty much every detail.

Because the residency is still new and the accommodations are eco-glamping, I’d suggest reaching out to the hosts, Gabe and Ashley, ahead of time about any equipment or technical needs. Do you need outlets? How much power will your equipment require? Is reliable Wi-Fi mandatory for your project? Having those conversations in advance will help make sure what you want to accomplish is feasible. It also shows that you’re arriving with intention and have really thought about what you want to work on! Also, be aware it's outhouse only if that's not your thing!

I’d also recommend planning your meals and groceries ahead of time, bringing extra art supplies, and packing clothing, footwear, and swimwear for spending time outdoors. It can get cold and damp at night. Also, I love bringing my own pillow lol

Click here for more information about the Akin x Salmon River Studios Residency

Read more about Salmon River Studios Artist Residencies here

Victor Wei’s mind-bending art on now at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

 

Victor Wei (@victorsywei)

 

This summer, the Akin Vitrine Gallery presents a new installation by artist Victor Wei (@victorsywei). Visible from the street, the work invites passersbys to witness the paintings 24/7. On view from August 1 to September 27 at 1747 St. Clair Ave. W. Be sure to check it out! 

Victor SY Wei is a Akin Richmond-Bathurst member who works primarily in acrylic paint and has a background in 3D/Visual effects. Their installation runs from August 1st to Sep 27th. These pieces are based on his recent works in the last year exploring geometric shapes that speak about other dimensions. 

We caught up with Victor to learn more about his exhibition and art practice.

 

Victor Wei’s Akin Richmond-Bathurst studio. Image credit: Marilyn Braun @braun_marilyn

 

Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Victor Wei: “I’m curious about where the world is heading. It seems like we are having very big shifts in the world with the duality of progression in tech and human consciousness. I’m interested in incorporating more of my 3D background into paintings and visual installations.”

 

Akin: Tell us a bit about your Vitrine Exhibition (e.g. themes, materials, inspiration)  

VW: “This installation looks to illustrate the 4th and 5th dimensions. The primary focus is the paintings which acts as a map or maze that represents a segment in time frozen in place; and all the possibilities within it. The additional elements are expansions of the painting looking to explore the organic/geometric separately but ties as an installation like the painting. The geometric shapes represent possible outcomes like destinations. The lines act as routes that can be taken, and the organic form represents the conscious being inhabiting and exploring the space.”

 
 

Akin: Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood? 

VW: “I normally paint at night after work. Usually zoning out to some indie music or podcast while sipping on some tea. And sometimes just stare at a canvas for a while till the shapes and lines start speaking to me.”

 

Akin: What inspires you? Why? 

VW: “Artists, such as M.C Escher, Victor Vasarely have been big inspirations. I love the way their art changes our perceptions and messes with our heads. The incorporation of math into art has also been very fascinating to me. The architecture of the city also has played a big part in my practice. I find that Toronto has a good range and variety of architecture. Their unique shapes and design gives me a lot of creative ideas. I am also quite drawn to 90/2000s sci-fi aesthetics. The nostalgia provides many inspirations for the organic characters/colour choices and composition of the paintings.”

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

VW: “Akin has provided me a space separate from work and everything else that goes in my life. It's grounded me in a safe haven where I feel comfortable to explore these worlds in my imagination. I joined Akin after hearing about it through word of mouth from many local artists/friends/teachers and after attending Crit night and making some friends at the open house. I've always loved the vibe of people I met who already had a studio there, so it was a no-brainer for me when I needed a space.”

 

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

VW: “Make art for yourself and keep painting without the fear of judgement. Look at more art and learn about other people's practice. Find a good mentor, or mentors! I've found that in my earlier years I never committed enough to making my own art. Most of it, I've stopped after making a couple pieces in the same series. Part of it was not believing in myself fully and worrying about whether people will like my art. I've only more recently learned to fully create for myself. 

Learn more about Victor’s work @victorsywei

Akin VItrine Gallery, 1747 St. Clair Ave. W.

 

'Breakthrough' by Firouzeh Saremi Far coming to Remote Gallery

 
 

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!

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)

 

Congratulations to Michael Donohue, Recipient of TOAF's Akin Space Award!

 

Image credit: Marylin Braun, @braun_marilyn

 

Congratulations to Michael Donohue, Recipient of TOAF's Akin Space Award!

Michael (Mike) Donohue is a fibre artist reinterpreting the traditional techniques of crochet that he first learned as a child through the use of self-taught, freeform crochet.

Michael has a life-long passion for arts andcrafts, building and creating. He continued to study “fine art” and art history through higher education, practicing painting as a hobbyist.

 

Michael Donohue, Bright Iris, 2025. Wool, crochet. 100x100cm

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Toronto his practice undertook a transformation. Combining the crochet skills he first learned as a child from his grandma with his interest in more traditional “fine art” stylistic sensibilities, his fibre art practice was born.

Michael’s work is a meditation on how we experience and interact with the environment around us, and our connection to and impacts on natural environments. His work invites the viewer to slow down, enjoy the subtle beauty, reflect. His work is both metaphor and a love letter to the world around us, expressing the joy to be found in nature.

 

Michael Donohue, Poppies, 2024. Cotton, crochet, with felt backing. 135x80cm

 

His use of freeform crochet is a continually evolving and growing, organic process – each stitch is a breath of life into his creations. In addition, he works exclusively in natural fibres, in furtherance of his chosen subject matter.

Michael’s love for crochet continues to be shared through the teaching of workshops and classes, community engagement, and exhibition.

Michael’s booth at TOAF 2026. Image credit: Marylin Braun, @braun_marilyn

The TOAF, Akin Space Award is designed, in collaboration with the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), to support emerging artists in Toronto by providing access to creative workspace and/or exhibition space.

Michael is the recipient of an $1,000 credit applicable toward:

  • an Akin studio membership (shared or dedicated) at any Akin location

  • a Remote Gallery rental

  • or a combination of both

Michael is currently focused on creating new pieces for his first exhibition at the Cabbagetown Arts & Crafts Show, taking place September 11–13, 2026. Following the exhibition, Michael will decide how he would like to use the Akin Space Award.

See more of Micheals work on the TOAF website, Michael’s personal webpage and follow him on Instagram @mdvassal

We also want to extend a BIG thank you to all of the TOAF staff, volunteers, and jury members, as well as our juror, Akin’s Remote Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin!

Grant Writing Session with Peter Kingstone

 
 

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Remote Gallery, Gallery A (568 Richmond St W)
Free event — limited to 12 participants

After a fantastic first grant writing workshop earlier this year, we're excited to welcome Peter Kingstone back for a second collaborative grant writing session focused on the Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Visual Arts Creation Grant.

This workshop is designed as a hands-on peer review session where participants will receive detailed feedback from Peter and learn from one another's applications in a supportive, welcoming environment. Whether you attended the first workshop or are joining us for the first time, this is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your grant application before submitting.

 

Important Information

Please note that this workshop is exclusively focused on the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant. If you are seeking feedback on another grant program, this session will not cover those applications, and they will not be discussed.

To ensure everyone receives meaningful feedback, participants must have their draft proposal saved in the TAC portal before the workshop. Having drafts in advance allows Peter to review them beforehand and provide more thoughtful, comprehensive feedback during the session. It also allows proposals to be displayed during the workshop, making the discussion more accessible for both visual and auditory learners.

During the session, each participant's proposal will be read aloud and workshopped by the group. This collaborative format allows everyone to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from a variety of applications in a warm, respectful, and non-judgmental environment. If you're uncomfortable reading your own proposal aloud, that's absolutely fine—an Akin staff member will happily read it on your behalf. You can let us know in advance or simply request this during the workshop.

 

About the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant

The Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant supports individual visual artists in the creation of new work, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and installation. The grant has a rolling deadline, allowing artists to apply throughout the year.

For more details and full eligibility, visit the TAC website.

If you haven't already registered with the Toronto Arts Council, you'll need to create an account through the TAC Grants Portal before applying. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. We recommend completing this step early so you have time to review the application requirements and begin preparing your proposal.

 

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Visual artists preparing an application for the Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant.

  • Artists at any stage of the grant writing process, whether you're applying for the first time or have previous experience.

  • Artists interested in receiving constructive feedback and learning through peer discussion.

Attendance is limited to 12 participants to ensure everyone has time to receive meaningful feedback.

Accessibility
Remote Gallery is on street level with step-free access and the entrance doors are 37" wide. The doors are automated by a push button system. There is step-free access throughout the gallery space. There are two gender-neutral washrooms both with step-free access. The washroom doors are not automated, the door knobs are round, and the toilets are not raised. For more information about Remote Gallery, click here.

About Peter Kingstone
Peter Kingstone is a Toronto-based visual artist and curator, working primarily in video and photography. As an independent artist, Peter’s installation pieces have been shown across Canada and internationally, and he was awarded the Untitled Artist Award in 2005 for his installation The Strange Case of peter K. (1974–2004). Peter holds a degree in Philosophy/Cultural Studies from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master of Fine Art focusing on video and new media from York University in Toronto. Peter has presented at many conferences on storytelling and social engagement. He began in September 2012 as the Acting Visual/Media Arts Program Manager at Toronto Arts Council

Nobody’s Home by Veronica Z.M. at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

 
 

The Akin Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce the new exhibition, Nobody’s Home, by artist Veronica Z.M. Viewable from the street 24/7, exhibition will run from July 2nd to 31st at 1747 St Clair Ave W. 

Veronica Z.M. is a multidisciplinary artist working across mediums that include painting, drawing, ceramics, digital experiments and installations. Veronica’s work applies at times a somber and at times a playful lens to themes that center on myths, nature, memory and narratives. 

Nobody’s Home is part of a work that explores sorrow—how it lives in the body, accumulates in memory, and is folded into who we become. Working in acrylic, oils, ceramics and occasionally materials found in nature, Veronica looks to the natural world as both metaphor and a parallel system––one that also processes loss, adapts, and continues.

This installation runs from July 2 - 31 and represents a selection of experimental work in painting, ceramics and conceptual art, made between 2024-2025. 

We caught up with Veronica, to learn more about her new exhibition, inspiration and process.

 

Veronica Z.M in her Akin studio

 

Akin: What are you curious about right now? 

Veronica Z.M: “I’m always interested in exploring creation as a dialogue with audiences and communities. I love learning about how the creative process helps us process realities and narratives.” 

 

Akin: “What gets you in a creative mood?”

V.Z.M: “I tend to work in dedicated bursts and concentrated periods, sometimes once or twice a year. I usually collect, research, observe, and model out ideas before I start creating. To get into a creative mood, I often turn to music, audio books and movies. Once I have an idea in place, I’ll often have something running in the background while I work.”

 

Akin: What inspires you? 

V.Z.M: “Expression as a means of both private and collective healing.” 

 
 
 
 

Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

V.Z.M: “It means being part of something communal and something that drives momentum.”

 

Akin: “What advice would you tell your younger self about creating art?” 

V.Z.M: “I’m not sure about giving advice, but embracing failure as certainty has been a helpful source of motivation.” 

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

 
 

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.

Remote Gallery Open House! Tuesday July 7th from 6-8pm

 
 

Join us at Remote Gallery, located at 568 Richmond Street West, on Tuesday July 7th from 6-8pm, for an Open House event. If you have creative ideas that need a beautiful, versatile space this is a great opportunity to visit and meet the Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin, to discuss tips for setting up exhibitions, available dates, and the logistics involved in bringing your ideas to life. 

 

What to expect?

  • An opportunity to visit the space in person to visualize ideas for possible events, projects or exhibitions.

  • Learn about the gallery’s facilities and what is available to you as a renter.

  • A chance to meet the Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin, to discuss tips for setting up exhibitions, available dates, and the logistics involved in bringing your ideas to life.

No registration necessary for this event, drop-ins welcome, light refreshments will be provided. 

 

About Remote Gallery

Remote Gallery is Akin’s dedicated exhibition and programming space. It provides opportunities for artists and members of the public to rent space for single or multiple day exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, readings, presentations, pop-ups and other artistic programs.

You can find more details about Remote Gallery on our webpage: www.akincollective.com/remote

Click here for detailed Remote Gallery Accessibility information.


See you there!

 

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West

 

Carlos Olavarrieta at Akin Vitrine Gallery

 
Carlos Akin studios for rent toronto
 

A new exhibition has arrived at the Akin Vitrine Gallery for the month of June! Be sure to swing by 1747 St Clair Ave, where the vitrine is viewable 24/7 from the street, to check out Carlos Olavarrieta’s new exhibition, Sunset Shapes. 

Carlos is an artist who produces non objective oil paintings rooted in rhythmic patterns and created in an unplanned manner.  His newest oil on canvas, Sunset Shapes, will be on display from June 3rd to 27th. 



”I work in oil paints on canvas. My paintings are non-representational, abstract with soft lines, and vibrant colours.  Originally rooted in an interest in patterns and rhythms, my paintings have moved away from a rigid approach or intent. The paintings are determined by discovering an unknown image. The result is that the finished paintings are a manifestation of playfully painting. I do not want the process to feel like work, and I believe that overworking the painting can close the initial creative energy. Discovering an unknown image is achieved by approaching the blank canvas with no previous sketches or ideas in mind. Out of the resulting chaos, shapes and colour command space, and are brought into focus with minimal painting. As a result, the paintings present new images with an unpolished quality. Thus, the paintings are creative play revealed as an image. “ —Carlos Olavarrieta 

Carlos Akin studios for rent toronto

We caught up with Carlos to learn more about his work, inspirations and process.

Akin: “What are you curious about right now?” 

Carlos Olavarrieta:  “Different brushes.”

Akin: “Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood?” 

CO: “Approaching the canvas with no idea or sketch.”


Akin: “What inspires you?”

CO: “Music.”



Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

CO: “A creative community.”


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

CO: “The process takes time.” 


Learn more about Carlos’ work or reach out: 
@artistcarloso 
colavarr@hotmail.com
artinteriors.ca/artists/carlos-olavarrieta

Thanks for joining us at Akin Davisville’s Open Studio

 
Akin Davisville Toronto Studios for rent
 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 23rd at Akin Davisville for our Open Studio as part of the City of Toronto’s Doors Open Festival. Despite the rainy weather, the event had a great turnout, and was a huge success! We had a lovely time meeting those who came out to see the studio and support our artists. The artists at Akin Davisville worked hard to pull this event together, giving art demonstrations, live portrait drawings, collage workshops, and displaying gorgeous artwork. A huge thank you to everyone who came by and special thanks to our talented artists and our fantastic volunteers. 

Here are some photos from the weekend. Enjoy!

 

Thank you to our volunteer @artful.sphere for many of the photos.

 

Photo Installation by Janne Reuss coming to Akin Vitrine Gallery for CONTACT Photography Festival

 

Artist and Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janne Reuss and her installation Urban Sky. Photo taken at Remote Gallery.

 
 

‘Urban Sky’ by Janne Reuss,
in association with CONTACT Photography Festival 

Date: May 23 - 31, 2026, viewable from the street 24/7

Location: Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W 

We’re thrilled to welcome Akin Member Janne Reuss’ (@jannereuss) photo exhibition, ‘Urban Sky’, to the Akin Vitrine Gallery at the end of May. ‘Urban Sky’ is  a conceptual installation as part of CONTACT Photography Festival 2026. The venue was chosen intentionally, since the work addresses how urban spaces confine and limit our vital space in nature. The vitrine will be illuminated at night, so the work will be visible from the street 24/7 during exhibition time. 

In preparation for this exciting exhibition, we caught up with Janne to learn more about the installation and her artistic process.

Janne Reuss, Urban Sky, Install

Akin: “Tell us more about Urban Sky.” 

Janne Reuss: “Urban Sky is part of a larger body of work titled ‘Replanted’, in which I ask the question: What happens to a tree when it is transplanted from its original habitat? Using the tree as a metaphor, this series explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Nature—and the remarkable resilience of plants that survive and adapt in harsh environments—serves as my primary source of inspiration.

This conceptual installation brings together two layered photographs. One is a monochromatic image of a concrete wall scattered with dried leaves; the other is a vibrant, colorful image of a green tree set against a blue sky with clouds. The juxtaposition of these opposing images creates a visual and conceptual dialogue between the artificial and the natural, life and death, absence and presence.

The acrylic structure evokes both a planter and modern architecture. It functions simultaneously as a container, a window, and a barrier. Rolled and confined within this structure, the photograph becomes a sculptural body—compressed, held, and shaped by its enclosure.

The resulting poetic tension reflects the ways urban environments fractures our relationship with nature: limiting access to green and private spaces, confining growth, and reducing our experience of the natural world to fragments—often no more than a reflection of the sky caught in a window.” 

 
Janne Reuss UrbanSky Akin studios Toronto

Janne Reuss, Urban Sky

 

Akin: “What are you curious about right now?” 

JR: “I'm curious to learn more and dive deeper into the world of plants, trees and roots. I'm also experimenting in creating more installations with new materials, so very curious about what I will find out in the process.”

 

Akin: “Do you have studio routines or rituals? What gets you in a creative mood?”

JR: “A typical ritual is to clean up or organize something before starting to work creatively; it is a way to create space and start from a sense of calm. I like to start my process slowly by creating a peaceful and focused mindset. Music helps me to get inward and connect to what I want to express.” 



Akin: “What inspires you? Why?”

JR: “The source of my inspiration is multilayered like my art process. But the most important ones are experiences and memories. Beside this internal source I find my material when I'm travelling or wandering through the city or nature with my camera. Poetry has been a companion for many years as well.”



Akin: “What does your Akin studio mean to you?”

JR: “My Akin Studio means so much! I have a quiet space to work concentrated, experiment, and invite colleagues, collectors and buyers to see my work. I have been renting studios with Akin since June 2019 and have found incredible meaningful support from the amazing Akin Team. It is wonderful to feel part of an art community that is respectful, welcoming, inclusive and likeminded.”



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

JR: “You will find your greatest power in being a creative soul. Don't ever let anyone or anything dim your light.”

Learn more about Janne Reuss’ work:

Contact Photography Festival, Urban Sky by Janne Reuss

@jannereuss

www.artjanne.com

 

Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W