Remote Gallery Art Market + Exhibition - Sat. June 7, 1-6pm
Remote Gallery Art Market + Exhibition - Sat. June 7, 1-6pm
Read MoreAkin Davisville Open Studio - Doors Open Toronto 2025!
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.
Remote Gallery Expands: More Space, Flexibility & Opportunity for Artists
Remote Gallery Expands: More Space, Flexibility & Opportunity for Artists
Read MoreAkin Niagara – Pop-Up Exhibition | April 5th
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.
Image description: portrait of artist Haruko Okano standing outdoors in a red winter coat. In the backgroun is trees with no leaves and a orange sunset.
Free Fermentation Workshop at the South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC) on Nov 2nd
Hello Akin Community!
We wanted to share an exciting opportunity happening at 401 Richmond W. On November 2nd, the South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC) is hosting an engaging Fermentation Workshop and Conversation with Vancouver-based artist Haruko Okano.
This event is free and open to the public, including kids. It will feature a hands-on fermentation activity, an artist talk, and will conclude with a communal meal. To participate, feel free to bring your favorite pickled or fermented foods to share. If you’d like to join the hands-on portion, please bring a mason jar with a lid and a small stone that fits inside.
In 1974, Haruko moved to the west coast traveling by foot and canoe through the northern parts of the provinces where she fell in love with the land Canada…not the government. Relationality with all living beings lies at the heart of her practice and life ethic as a third-generation diasporic person. The emphasis across all of her activities is on process, collaboration and integration. We will hear from Haruko about her unique approach to creating art, the food and medicine gardens she has tended since the 90s, and her journey to learn about and address the effects of intergenerational trauma within Japanese-Canadian communities and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Event details:
Date: Saturday November 2nd (2pm - 6pm)
Location: SAVAC, 401 Richmond St West
RSVP by email: communications@savac.net
Accessibility: Wheelchair ramp at the east entrance of the building. There is an elevator and accessible bathrooms. Dinner will be served. Masks are encouraged and will be provided.
Learn more at savac.net/fermentation
Akin Queen Open Studio: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community
On October 12th, we had the pleasure of opening our doors to the community for the Akin Queen East Open Studio, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who came and made the event such a success!
A huge thank you to our amazing Akin members for showcasing their work and welcoming visitors with such warmth and enthusiasm. The sense of community was palpable, and it was wonderful to see so many meaningful connections made throughout the day.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nurielle Stern of Lost and Found Gallery and the artists from the 1-800-INF-ERNO exhibition for collaborating with us for the day. They truly added another layer of inspiration and we’re so glad to have shared this special occasion with them.
Lastly, a big thank you to all of our guests! Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply curious about our space, your presence and support mean the world to us. It was fantastic to meet so many new faces, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future— Until then, enjoy the photos from the Open Studio!
Image Descriptions: a slideshow of images showing artists and guests at Akin Queen East during the open studio. There are different people who are talking to each other, smiling, and looking around the studios. Artwork and art materials can be seen in the studio space including paintings, sculptures, and textile works.
List of participating artists:
As well as the artists featured in the 1-800–INF-ERNO installation at The Lost and Found Gallery: Micki-Lee Smith & Zakriya Bashir-Hill, in collaboration with Diana Lawryshyn, Pratap Mathews, & Yun Young Lee. Also featuring paintings by Diana Lawryshyn.
Thank you!
Love, Akin
Join Us for the Akin St Clair Studio Market!
Akin St Clair Studio Market!
Read More
Get to know Remote Gallery! Open House July 17, 5-8pm
Join us at Remote Gallery on Wednesday July 17, located at 568 Richmond Street West, from 5 to 8pm for an Open House event. During this event, artists and creative folks interested in learning more about the space can meet Remote Gallery’s Manager, Renato Baldin and learn about the potential of the space, discuss tips for setting up exhibitions, available dates, and how to bring your ideas to life.
Remote Gallery Manager, Renato Baldin
Remote Gallery is Akin’s dedicated exhibition and programming space. It provides opportunities for artists and members of the public to rent financially-accessible space for various types of programming.
Our versatile venue is open for single or multi-day rentals, accommodating workshops, presentations, meetings, community events, exhibitions, performances and various artistic programs. We are currently offering a 15% discount on bookings for rental dates from now until the end of August 2024.
Students and 2024 graduates of the following institutions are eligible for a 20% discount on bookings for rental dates from now until the end of August 2024: Academy of Realist Art, Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, OCADU, Seneca College, Sheridan College, Toronto School of Art, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Toronto and York University.
Please join us for the Open House event on July 17th and share with artists who might be interested.
No registration necessary, drop-ins welcome. See you there!
In the meantime - check out www.akincollective.com/remote for gallery details.
Click here for all Remote Gallery Accessibility information
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West
Inspirations Studio, Art Auction & Fundraiser!
Please join us to celebrate 30 years of YWCA Toronto’s Inspirations Studio, a unique ceramics arts program that empowers women experiencing poverty, mental health or disability, while improving their lives through the making and selling of pottery.
Thursday March 21, 2024, from 6 to 9pm at OCAD University’s Great Hall, Level 2, 100 McCaul St., Toronto.
Hosted by Carolyn Taylor of Baroness Von Sketch and I Have Nothing on Crave, the event features:
LIVE Auction at 7pm featuring work by 10 amazing contemporary artists:
Mel Arsenault, Marissa Y Alexander, Shary Boyle,
Maggie Boyd, Lisa Creskey, Heather Goodchild, Lindsay
Montgomery, Julie Moon, Rajni Perera and Kendra Yee
Silent Auction with work by studio members and response paintings
by OCADU students, plate settings from Toronto Potters and
gifts from local businesses.
Complimentary refreshments and drink.
Music and mingling.
DIY Pottery painting, wheel demos, raffles & more!
Come be inspired by beautiful work and stories of the transformative power of art! And know that 100% of the proceeds will go to YWCA Toronto’s Inspirations Studio to offer low barrier access and opportunities.
Help keep this small but mighty program going strong!
Please share and we will see you there!
Inspirations Studio
389 Church Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2E5
416-367-2728
Please follow us!
@inspiredpottery
Join us on December 5th to celebrate Akin’s 15th Anniversary!
Join us on December 5th to celebrate Akin’s 15th Anniversary with a drop-in event at Remote Gallery.
We’ll be building a living collage of memories on the gallery walls in honour of Akin’s incredible community and our journey as an organization since 2008. Drop by between 4-8pm to say hello, check out the collage and add your own memories. Light refreshments will be provided.
Can't make it in person? Stay tuned throughout the month of November as we celebrate our 15th anniversary on the Akin blog with memories and member highlights!
You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.
Accessibility:
Remote Gallery is located on the ground floor of the building. The entrance is on-grade and automated. The double door is 37x2 inches wide and has a push-bar doorknob. There is step-free access inside the gallery area.
There is one gender-neutral bathroom. There are no grab bars in the bathroom and the toilets are not raised. The bathroom doorway is on-grade and has a round doorknob and is not automated.
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Akin turns 15! An Interview with Founder & Director, Oliver Pauk
Fifteen years ago, on November 1st, 2008, Akin opened its first studio for artists in Toronto. Since then, we’ve grown to support hundreds of artists all across the city, becoming the largest provider of shared studio spaces in Toronto.
We’re launching this celebration with an interview with our Director and Co-Founder, Oliver Pauk, who’s been building Akin since the very first day.
Tell us a bit about yourself! You're an artist yourself?
Oliver: “I've been active in music and visual art since I was young. I've played in a few bands over the years and I started with photography the moment my dad gave me his old 35mm camera. I studied economics in school (which has been helpful in my work with Akin) but began really focusing on my creative interests right after graduating from university. Over the years my practice has evolved from photography to 3D printing, CNC milling and video. Lately, I've been carving wood and stone and am really enjoying the deepened, hands-on relationship that I'm building with my pieces.”
Learn more about Oliver’s art practice at www.oliverpauk.com
Image Description: Oliver Pauk stands against a white curtain background. He is wearing a white T-shirt and a colourful hat and smiling.
Take us back to the beginning, how did Akin start?
Oliver: “A group of friends and I had all been working on our creative pursuits separately from our homes but really wanted a place to work together and inspire one another. Friends of mine were moving out of their old loft space in West Queen West and one of them, Mike Dellios (who went on to serve a term as our Board Chair) and I decided to turn the loft into a workspace that the 12 of us could afford to work in. We set up storage racks, built worktables to share. On the weekends we'd often host art exhibitions, film screenings and other art events. This was all that Akin was intended to be. Pretty quickly we realized that we weren't the only artists in Toronto in need of space like this. After three months we moved around the corner onto Dufferin St, in a space that was four times larger. Fast forward 15 years, we're still essentially doing the same thing: working as an artist-run team to find spaces that we can afford, setting them up with an aim of reducing financial barriers to creative space for folks from the community, and bringing people together around the arts.”
Which of our many past studios was your favourite? Why?
Oliver: “I have a soft spot for Akin Lansdowne at 87 Wade Avenue. This was the second studio that Akin set up. At the time I was doing most of the work myself, but was starting to get more support from my friend Michael Vickers (who was Akin’s Co-Director for many years). We had as many as five units at one time in this building and they were beauties; bright, raw spaces with high ceilings, close to the subway, with tons of awesome neighbours and about 100 Akin members! We ended up hosting regular gatherings (both organized and spontaneous) and people got to know one another really well. This is still something that happens in our studios, but it was really cool (at least for me) to see the future potential of Akin through what happened in that building. It made me want to take Akin further in order to involve more artists in the city. ”
What have been some of your proudest moments, working for Akin?
Oliver: “Akin has been full of surprises from day one. It feels a little bit like another child in a sense (I do have a 5yr old human son). Helping build Akin has felt like a separate creative process of its own and I'm proud that we've made it to 15 years (because it hasn’t been easy). We’ve created this new sentient entity that Akin's team and I are able to collaborate with (which is how we view it). That brings me to something else that I'm proud of... our team. When I say team I mean our staff, our board, AREA (our real estate advisory), and our various other advisors. I feel so lucky to have met all of these people, let alone engage on this interesting mission with them. I'm proud of how much we all care about Akin, about the arts, about artists and I know that it shows in the work that we do.”
15 Years of Akin in 15 Images:
Explore Akin’s history in 15 images, one taken from each year in
Akin's journey since 2008. Enjoy!
What are the biggest challenges Akin has faced, as an organization?
Oliver: “Where to begin :) There have been many. What we're doing with Akin is not a regular thing. It's different, it's special, it's innovative... Many hurdles have needed to be jumped. In many ways Akin still exists because of trial and error. There's no handbook for what we do. We've had to figure it out by failing and learning. A major part of our role today is to facilitate an amicable and mutually beneficial relationship between the arts and real estate. These two industries, and the people who make them up, have historically had a tumultuous relationship and it hasn't gone well in the vast majority of instances, internationally. We believe that we have figured out ways to create a win-win for both groups but there are challenges on both sides. Finding our way in the real estate industry has been challenging. Thankfully we're building a growing network of property owners who understand why we do what we do and why it's important to both communities and to them.
Bringing together a large number of people to share working space comes with a lot of challenges. We try our best to create safe, comfortable and inspiring spaces for everyone who is part of Akin and it's truly upsetting if we let people down. That motivates us to continue learning and improving every day.
2020 and 2021 were very tough years for us and for many of the artists we work with, for obvious reasons relating to COVID. It took lots of perseverance from our whole team as well as open communication with Akin's members and our real estate partners. Thankfully we made it through, albeit as a tinier version of the organization, and this is in large part due to the extreme resilience of the artists in Toronto. Much of this year has been rough as well, for our team and for me in my role, as we've undergone a number of organizational shifts. Thankfully, these challenges, along with the progress that we're making in other areas have enabled Akin to find itself in what I would consider to be its best position yet. We're set to open a number of new studios in order to provide work space for many artists and designers in Toronto who are in need. There will be many more challenges to come but I know that Akin's perseverance and spirit are strong and that we will continue to find creative solutions to move forward in ways that are true to what we believe in.”
How has Akin changed over the years? What has stayed the same?
Oliver: “There are some really important things that have stayed the same. We're still artist-run, still trying to break down financial barriers to creative space and we still care deeply about Toronto's community of artists. We have hopes to continue having a valuable impact on our city.
And yes, Akin has changed too. When Akin was young, I would never have guessed that it could have the impact it has today. I'm happy about most major changes, but simultaneously I miss aspects of the old, simpler days. I knew everyone who was a member at Akin which is sadly not the case today. There was less riding on our team's decisions than there is now and that burden can feel heavy sometimes.”
What have you learned about the artist community, and about Toronto, through your 15 years building Akin?
Oliver: “I've learned about the vitality of artists. Artists genuinely think in ways that allow society to grow and heal and evolve. They're brave and interesting and, of course, inspiring. I've seen and learned of many challenges being created in Toronto for creatives. The precarity for artists to live in the city is high, forcing them to either give up their practices or move further out of the city. The vast majority of people living in the city say that they care about art and it's easy to understand how important it is for our society, economy, and health, but it seems like they don't realize that art is made by artists. This disconnect needs to be explored. I feel that there needs to be more effort put towards growing the public valuation of artists.”
Where is Akin headed?
Oliver: “We're sticking to what's important to us. We're building on what we do and what we as artists need and we're doing it in the ways that we know best. We've done a ton of work this year to ensure that Akin is around long into the future and a major part of this will be the opening of new studios in 2024. Thankfully we have a number of spaces that are being lined up and we know that they're needed by our community of artists. I intend for us to remain open-minded and open-hearted, to learn from the people we surround ourselves with and to continue exploring the current boundaries of our role in ways that are genuinely important.”
Akin would like to thank Oliver Pauk for the interview and for all his hard work for Akin over the years. We also want to thank all of our amazing members (past, present and future), our board members, consultants, supporters and community members! Stay tuned throughout the month of November as we celebrate our anniversary on the Akin blog with more member highlights!
Want to celebrate
in-person?
Akin will be hosting a 15th Anniversary drop-in celebration at Akin’s Remote Gallery on December 4 from 4-8pm for an evening filled with Akin memorabilia and nostalgia.
You can help Akin Projects continue to support arts in Toronto for another fifteen years! You can donate to Akin Projects here. Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.
Akin Studio Program Member Highlights Blog #3: Jason Bomers, Yani Gellman & Tiana Robinson
In the grand finale of our blog series highlighting members of the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG, we’re thrilled to introduce three more talented artists who have been busy creating and exploring in the studio during this culminating year. Learn more about their creative work, inspiration, process and more below!
As we say goodbye to this transformative Studio Program, we extend a warm invitation for you to join us in the studio on Floor 4 of the Auto BLDG, 158 Sterling Road, on October 14th, from 12-4pm, for a captivating Open Studio Day. Join us as we swing open the doors to the public, celebrating the remarkable journey of our talented artists.
Read MoreAkin Studio Program Member Highlights Blog #2: Mel Hayes & Erin McCluskey
This year’s cohort of Akin Auto BLDG studio program is packed with talent! We caught up with a couple of them to ask them some questions about their practise and inspirations, in advance of the Open Studio Day at Akin Auto BLDG, 158 Sterling Road, where we’ll be opening the doors for a public walkthrough October 14th, 12-4pm.
Read MoreAkin Studio Program Member Highlights Blog #1: Linds Miyo, Amada Estabillo & Kate Gorman
This month, we’re going to be sharing with you some exclusive interviews with the talented artists from Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG! Learn about their work here, and then head out to the Open Studio event to meet them in person on October 14th, 12-4pm at 158 Sterling Road, Floor 4.
Read MoreAkin Open Studio!
Join us at the Open Studio Day for a peek into what the talented artists at the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG have been creating during their residency. Whether you're an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique afternoon, this event is the perfect way to enjoy Culture Days Ontario, an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage taking place each fall across the province.
Read More
Collaborative visual poetry with Artist Yannis Lobaina - A free workshop at Remote Gallery
Date: Saturday, October 07, 2023
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Join artist Yannis Lobaina for this free collaborative visual poetry workshop.
Participants will work together to create a multilingual collaborative visual poetry masterpiece! This in-person gathering promises to be a unique opportunity to explore the power of words and art. Free and family-friendly!
Whether you are an experienced poet or just curious about exploring your artistic side, this event welcomes everyone.
About the artist:
Yannis Lobaina is a Cuban artist, author, filmmaker, photographer and community arts facilitator. Currently, she lives in Toronto. In her work, Yannis explores themes of immigration, diaspora, language, and motherhood. As a photographer, she focuses on minimalist storytelling photography, landscapes, patterns, sacred geometry, and pareidolias in Mother Nature. She has been recognized with several awards and grants by the TAC and OAC, which has funded her ongoing series Alive, Upside Down. Yannis has twice received the Newcomer Space Award (2020, 2022) and has been showcased at Remote Gallery (2021) and at public Library Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre (February 2023).
Yannis is a receipient of the Newcomer Space Award, a collaboration between Akin, the Toronto Arts Foundation, and the Neighbourhood Arts Foundation.
Image Description: TheAkin logo and OCADU logo live on a purple background along with the words “Career Launcher Winner, Sara Abulkarim, Where Have You Been? Solo Art Show, August 5 & 6, 2023 at Remote Gallery”
Sara Abulkarim, Where Have You Been? August 5 & 6, 2023
August 5, 12pm-10pm
August 6, 12pm-6pm
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Opening Reception: August 5, 6pm-10pm
“Where have you been?” is a solo art exhibition that takes viewers on a journey to the places I have been since having moved to Toronto in 2017.
Through a series of paintings made of acrylic and mixed media, I explore the places and spaces that have been meaningful to me in my journey of self-discovery, growth, and challenge. These places have become my home, my family, and my friends, and I invite you to explore them with me.
Come join me on August 5th and 6th at Remote Gallery in Toronto to learn about this journey of exploration and discovery as I share with you the places that have helped me find myself.
Sara Abulkarim is the 2022 recipient of the Akin x OCADU Career Launcher Award. Born in Iraq, she immigrated to Montreal in 2002, where she studied Interior Design. Following her passion, in 2017 she decided to study Fine Arts at OCAD University. Sara’s art often stems from memory and feelings. She paints moments and fragments of her life, meaningful spaces and moments that sculpted her into the person she is today. Intrigued by abstract, she loves to try new techniques and mediums to mimic her emotions through colours and gestures. Her work is characterized by vibrant colours and animated movement. Website: www.saraabulkarim.com
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto
Image Description: A purple event poster advertising an art show. The left hand side reads “Space Award Winner Elsa Hashemi '' below the logos for Akin, Toronto Arts Foundation, and the Neighbourhood Arts Network. On the left is a greyscale photo from the video-installation, The White Cave.”
The White Cave, a Video-Installation Exhibition by Elsa Hashemi
July 21 - 27, 2023
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Hours: 4 - 8pm
Opening Reception: July 21, 6 - 9pm
“Having a long day filled with a variety of feelings and emotions, we all go back to our ‘White Cave‘ which is the last and the most intimate place to finish the day... No matter how joyful, sad, confused, overwhelmed or excited we have been during the day, we share them all with our safest place...”
Elsa Hashemi is a recipient of the 2022 Space Award and a visual artist whose main focus is Photography and Calligraphy-Painting. She works as an artwork/mural-documentation photographer in Toronto and a freelance Calligrapher. In addition, she teaches visual arts to kids; and ESL & Canadian culture to adults. Her artistic practice mainly involves conceptual art, portraying concepts like Migration, Being a Woman, Immigration, and Quarantine. Through her images and calligraphy-painting art, she tells stories of people, believing that stories can tell us about the realities in life that are too complicated. She is a recipient of Toronto Arts Foundation's Newcomer Arts Award and RBC Mentorship Award. As a professional photographer, she combines deep theoretical/technical knowledge with experience documenting artworks, creating portfolios and photo books for the artists, designing brochures, and promoting products and artworks via social networks and various advertising materials. Elsa stands out in photographing events, including arts and cultural ones, meetings and gatherings, and outdoor festivals and events.
View Elsa’s website here and her Instagram here.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto
Image description: A colourful patterned background sits behind a large blue circle, inside of which text reads “In the Middle, July 15-16, @remotegallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto.” The bottom corners of the poster has the Akin logo, and the OCAD U logo, respectively.
In the Middle, a celebration of Canadian-Middle Eastern and North African Artists
July 15, 12pm-10pm
July 16, 9am-6pm
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Opening Reception: July 15, 6pm-10pm
In the Middle is a celebration of the unique perspectives of Canadian-Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) artists as well as those geographically adjacent. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of MENA and MENA-adjacent artists in the Toronto art scene and to highlight an underrepresented vision as well as recognize the diversity of MENA culture and celebrate the beauty of its art.
Eleven artists will be sharing their stories and unique experiences with the world. It’s a chance to create a dialogue about the importance of representation and inclusion in the art world and to create a space where MENA and MENA-adjacent artists can be seen, heard, and respected.
Artist Participating:
Amina Boufennara
Amnna Attia
Ayan Melikli
Christina Hajjar
Edriss Sydeqi
Özge Dilan Arslan
Pamela Andonian (Ch!K P)
Qudsia Hussain
Rabiyah Sagheer
Sara Abulkarim
Sara Ghaben
The Exhibition Is Curated By:
Amina Boufennara
Habiba Raouf
Sara Abulkarim
Sara Abulkarim is the 2022 recipient of the Akin x OCADU Career Launcher Award. Born in Iraq, she immigrated to Montreal in 2002, where she studied Interior Design. Following her passion, in 2017 she decided to study Fine Arts at OCAD University. Sara’s art often stems from memory and feelings. She paints moments and fragments of her life, meaningful spaces and moments that sculpted her into the person she is today. Intrigued by abstract, she loves to try new techniques and mediums to mimic her emotions through colours and gestures. Her work is characterized by vibrant colours and animated movement. Website: www.saraabulkarim.com
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto
Image Description: A purple poster advertising the art exhibition. On the right hand side is text which reads “Space Award Winner Yannis Lobaina '' with the logos for Akin, Toronto Arts Foundation and Neighbourhood Arts Network. On the right hand side is Yannis Lobania’s photograph, Fibonacci Spiral, a macro, black and white shot of a sunflower against a black background. Surrounding the image is text which reads “Catch and Release, Solo photography by Yannis Lobaina. Save the date: July 6th-13th at Remote Gallery, address 568 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON.”
“Catch and Release” by Yannis Lobaina at Remote Gallery
July 6-13
Akin’s Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Gallery Hours: 1-7pm
Free Interactive Workshops: July 8 & 9 at 2pm
Akin’s Remote Gallery is thrilled to welcome space award winner Yannis Lobaina to the Remote Gallery for a new photo exhibition, Catch and Release.
Yannis’ work captures the fleeting moments and sacred geometry of Mother Nature. In Catch and Release, a series of twelve minimalist photographic narratives, Yannis explores patterns, pareidolias (faces), spirals, clouds, textures and their spiritual significance.
Throughout the exhibition, Yannis Lobaina will be hosting a series of 2 free art-making photography workshops on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday July 9 at 2:00pm. The workshops will be a family friendly experience to explore Yannis’ artworks, and to get inspired to create their own piece of art. All the artwork produced during the workshop will become part of the online exhibit on Yannis’ website.
Yannis Lobaina is a Cuban artist, author, filmmaker, photographer and community arts facilitator. Currently, she lives in Toronto. In her work, Yannis explores themes of immigration, diaspora, language, and motherhood. As a photographer, she focuses on minimalist storytelling photography, landscapes, patterns, sacred geometry, and pareidolias in Mother Nature. She has been recognized with several awards and grants by the TAC and OAC, which has funded her ongoing series Alive, Upside Down. Yannis has twice received the Newcomer Space Award (2020, 2022) and has been showcased at Remote Gallery (2021) and at public Library Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre(February 2023).
Thank you to the Toronto Arts Foundation, and the Neighbourhood Arts Foundation for their support.
Find more information about Yannis’ work here.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Image Description: Yannis Lobania’s photograph, Fibonacci Spiral, a macro, black and white shot of a sunflower against a black background. Surrounding the image is text which reads “Fibonacci Spiral, Yannis Lobaina, digital photographs, metal wall art, landscape, 11 x 14”, 2023.”