New Exhibition at Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery by artist Bernadette Peets

The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is excited to announce an exhibition of works by Akin Dupont member, Bernadette Peets. Located at 1485 Dupont Street, on the second floor of the building, this miniature gallery offers a unique viewing experience to visitors in the building.

Images above: Colourful multi-media artworks by Bernadette Peets. Each piece 12”x12”. Titles in order from left to right: “Clouds”, “Crane River 4” and “Little Pond”.

About the Exhibition
In this latest exhibition, Peets invites us to explore her series of "small layered landscapes." These pieces are more than representations of physical spaces; they are windows to the emotions and sensations experienced within them. Created initially en plein air, these artworks were later transformed in her studio with the addition of striking neon plexiglass layers.

The result is these colourful pieces with depth that beckon viewers to engage with the art from various angles and perspectives, much like one would naturally experience in a real landscape. The swift, loose execution of these pieces contrasts beautifully with the deliberate layering, creating a dynamic visual experience that is both stimulating and thought-provoking.

 

About the Artist
”In my practise of nearly 30 years, I have been constantly searching for ways to express my thoughts, ideas and feelings sincerely and honestly. I am weary of becoming known for my ‘style’ or recurring themes as this would not reflect who I am as a person. I am constantly growing and evolving and my art reflects this as well.

Over the years I have worked with many tools, materials and methods and I have always tried to match the medium with the subject matter as a way to reinforce and strengthen the work.”

Bernadette’s foundation in drawing and painting, coupled with her extensive experience in theatre design, costume, and prop making, has equipped her with a diverse skill set. This versatility allows her to seamlessly blend various materials and techniques, from sculptural works and installations to multi-layered 2D images.

“There is often a subtle message in my work that invites the viewer to invest some time to look beneath the surface and to involve them in a participatory way.”

Visit www.bernadettepeets.com for more of Bernadette’s creative work.

Image Description: Artist Bernadette Peets in her studio working on a painting. Bernadette is holding a paintbrush up to a large canvas which has a work-in-progress painting in bright orange and blue paint. Image couretsy of www.bernadettepeets.com

 

About the Gallery
The Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery is a space dedicated to showcasing the diverse talents of Akin Dupont studio members. It's a small window gallery that faces the hallway, offering a novel and accessible way for the public to engage with art. Nestled beside Ink & Water Tattoo, and just down the hall from Franz Kaka Gallery. The building is open to the public from 8am-8pm.

Akin Vitrine Q&A Series: Enas Satir installation 'A state of Chaos'

Welcome to the Akin Vitrine Q&A (Question and Answers) Blog Series where we highlight the latest Akin Vitrine Gallery installation and present a recent interview with the exhibiting artist. Today’s artist is Enas Satir, whose installation ‘A State of Chaos’ is currently in the Akin Vitrine Gallery at Akin St.Clair (1747 St.Clair Ave West) until the end of June.  Thanks for participating, Enas!  

Please see below for Enas’s answers to the Q&A and to learn more about the exhibition. To see more of her work visit www.enassatir.com or on Instagram @enas.satir

Please see below for Enas’s answers to the Q&A and to learn more about the exhibition. To see more of her work visit www.enassatir.com or on Instagram @enas.satir

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Final Days of Narcissus at Remote Gallery, an installation by Renato Baldin - last day is June 10!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already visited the captivating exhibition, Narcissus, at Akin’s Remote Gallery! Your support and presence have made this experience truly special. As we approach the final days of the exhibition, we invite you to join us for one last opportunity to immerse yourself in Renato Baldin's transformative artwork.

Explore the themes of queerness, self-love, and body nonconformity as you journey through this unique installation. Don't miss your chance to meet the artist in person and gain a deeper insight into his creative process. He will be available during the gallery opening hours to engage in conversations and share his artistic vision.

Here are the remaining days and hours for the exhibition at Remote Gallery (579 Richmond St West, Toronto)

Wed, June 7: 3-4:30pm (please note the changed hours for today)|
Thu, June 8: 3-7pm
Fri, June 9: 3-7pm
Sat, June 10 (Final day): 1- 6pm

The exhibition will close its doors after June 10th, so seize this opportunity to engage with this captivating display of artistry and self-expression.

Image Description: A series of photographs showing different people visiting the exhibition at Remote Gallery. In some photos they are posing with artist Renato Baldin and looking at the camera, in some photos they are taking a selfie in a mirror, in others they are looking at the artwork on the gallery walls.


We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @CanadaCouncil


On now: Three exhibitions featuring Akin Members Jen Arron, Marcia Bianchi & Hana Elmasry

Are you feeling the winter blues? Need some inspiration? Try going out to see some art! These three exhibitions are happening right now, featuring Akin Studio members Jen Arron, Marcia Bianchi & Hana Elmasry.

Image Description: Three large textile weavings hand on a white wall. The weavings have a variety of textures and materials and are blue, white and black in colour. Artwork by Jen Arron.

Jen Arron: Selected Works and Studies

On until: March 8th, 2023
Where: The Lobby by Heaps Estrin, 1120 Yonge Street, Toronto
Gallery hours: Mon-Wed 10am-6pm / Thu-Fri: 10am-7pm / Sat: 10am-6pm / Sun: 11am-5pm

Jen Arron is a studio-based textile artist in Toronto. She works with globally sourced fibers to create works that have scale & presence. Weaving entirely by hand, in a freestyle approach, Jen’s large-scale woven pieces explore our connection through time, geography, and materials. There is an ecosystem of life in each of Jen Arron’s pieces. Jen’s process embodies her search for the unique feeling of discovering what she would like to come upon in her work. www.jenarron.com


Image Description: The background shows a close-up of a painting by Marcia Bianchi in swirling shapes and brown and cream colours. ON the left side of the image is white text with the exhibition information.

Marcia Bianchi: Emotive Distance

On until: January 29th, 2023
Where: Gallery 1313 in the Cell Gallery, 1313 Queen St West, Toronto
Gallery hours: Wed-Sat 1pm-5pm, Sun 1pm-4pm

Emotive Distance is a group of oil paintings that focuses on the female form, drawing from various influences including contemporary photography and ancient European sculpture. This series invites the viewer to mimic the stillness present in each painting, and contemplate their own inner state, starting with where they find discomfort. The intention is to enter the void through recognizing that which stands out to us about the work, and following it. Click here to learn more about the exhibition.

Marcia Bianchi is a contemporary figurative artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her work has evolved since pursuing a career in graphic design, when she began fusing the design principles with canvas. Heavily influenced by psychology and the exploration  of the mind, her intention is to create pieces that will allow the viewer to experience a moment of ease.  Her practice continues to evolve as she explores mediums and muses. marciabianchi.ca


Image above: An abstoract Painting by Hana Elmasry with a variety of shapes and colours

Hana Elmasry: To be conceived, group exhibition

On until: February 18th, 2023
Where:
Corkin Gallery, 7 Tank House Lane
Gallery hours:
Tue-Sat 10am-6pm

From memories of cityscapes or the openness of the universe to the intimacy of floral motifs, To be conceived  brings  together the work Corkin Gallery’s represented artists. The exhibition commemorates recent creations in conversation with iconic bodies of work that continue enriching aesthetic dialogues. Click here to learn more about the exhibition.

Hana Elmasry investigates identity, visual expression and therapy. Through memories, the artist focuses on creating a visual cosmos, making reference at times to a connection with her Egyptian heritage. Creating a constellation of small-scale canvases, each work is also a universe unto itself. Each piece is wholly unique, often integrating collage and diverse materials within a peaceful palette; some works explore the limits of the canvas by deconstructing the traditional frame. Elmasry frequently adds materials that become a pleasure to the senses, like oils and reptile skin, achieving a multisensory experience of reflection. Hana Elmasry is represented by Corkin Gallery.