Join Us for the Akin St Clair Studio Market!
Akin St Clair Studio Market!
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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.
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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.”
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 Gizem Candan '' below the logos for Akin, Toronto Arts Foundation, and the Neighbourhood Arts Network. On the left is a painting by Candan, an abstract oil painting of earthworms, filled with light and dark browns and rust reds. Underneath it, over a white panel, black text reads “Resonance of a Deep Ground, Gizem Candan, June 29-July 2, 2023, Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON.”
Resonance of a Deep Ground, Gizem Candan
June 29 - July 2
Akin’s Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Opening Reception:
Thursday June 29, 6-10pm
Gallery Hours:
Friday - Sunday: 12-6pm
Akin’s Remote Gallery is proud to introduce a showcase of brand new work from Newcomer Space Award Winner Gizem Candan. Resonance of a Deep Ground features Candan’s most recent paintings of earthworms and their enigmatic habitat.
Fresh from a painting residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point earlier in June, Candan hosted earth worm composting workshops as part of her residency. Her contemplation of earthworm ecology has resulted in a beautiful display of abstract oil paintings which draws their inspiration from our crawling friends underground and their miraculous regenerative abilities.
Gizem Candan is a visual artist and researcher based in Toronto. She graduated with two BFAs, one in Plastic Arts and Painting and one in Graphic Design from Yeditepe University in Istanbul. She is in the process of completing her master’s in Criticism and Curatorial Practice at OCAD University. She is represented by Sivarulrasa Gallery in Almonte, ON. Her works have been exhibited in Canada and Turkey, and are held in many private collections and the Special Collections of the Toronto Reference Library. She also works at Cooper Cole Gallery as a research assistant. Her artistic practice explores the tensions and depressions between humans and their surroundings in the Anthropocene. She employs a variety of approaches in her work to emphasize "figure" as both human and more-than-human, as well as the landscape-centered scenes around it. Her main area of focus is on narrating that examines the modern human and its enigmatic potential relationship through the lens of nature. "Structure" in her paintings is visible in two distinct ways: composition and colour palette.
Candan is a 2022 recipient of the 2022 Newcomer Space Award. Created by Akin, the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, the Newcomer Space Award provides newcomers credit for an Akin studio membership and to Akin’s Remote Gallery. This award not only provides funding and space essential for professional artists to grow their practice, but also supports artists in growing their network through the shared studio space model.
Learn more about Gizem Candan’s work at her website and on instagram.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Image Description: Above is a painting by Candan, an abstract oil painting of earthworms, filled with light and dark browns and rust reds. Underneath it, over a white panel, black text reads “Resonance of a Deep Ground, Gizem Candan, June 29-July 2, 2023, Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON.”
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto
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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Art Exhibition by Artist Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh
June 17 - 25
Akin’s Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W
Opening Reception:
Saturday June 17: 5-7pm
Remote Gallery Hours:
Monday to Friday: 2-8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am-6pm
Remote Gallery is thrilled to show a new and exciting exhibition by Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh, a multi-disciplinary artist and the winner of the 2022 Space Award, presented by Akin in partnership with the Neighbourhood Arts Network. Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh, a.k.a NAG, is an Iranian born, French-Canadian artist.
Naghmeh’s work examines her own stories of immigration, cultural assimilation and uprootedness. These ideas intersect with women’s rights, gender equality and resilience. She expresses such subjects through fragmented materials and narratives that depict her endeavor to find an imaginary link between events, beings, belongings and destinies, by assembling materials that don’t usually fit together. She questions frantic consumption, accumulation and purpose by giving new life to outdated and broken things. Organic drawings and materials, medical or industrial waste are assembled in mixed media and installations, creating strange living organisms that reflect her quest to find a place and community to which she’ll finally belong.
To learn more about NAG’s work, visit www.nag-artist.com, or on instagram @nag_artist
Special thanks to Toronto Arts Foundation, Neighbourhood Arts Network and Ontario Arts Council.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Image Description: A poster advertising Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh’s Upcoming Exhibition. A white background shows brown text reading “Art Exhibition, June 17-25 2023,” The left hand side shows the artist’s logo, which reads ‘NAG’, and brown text below which reads ‘Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Hours Monday-Friday 2-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11-6 pm, Opening Saturday June 17th, 2023 5-7pm. With the kind support of the Ontario Arts Council. Special thanks to the Toronto Arts Foundation, Neighbourhood Arts Network, Akin Projects and Ontario Arts Council.” The Ontario Arts Council Logo is at the bottom right corner on the poster. Above it is a multimedia image. In the center is a print-style black and white image of a person, covering their eyes and mouth with each hand. They are wearing a black shirt and have dark curly hair. Above them is the photograph of an eye, below them are collaged green leaves and dried flowers atop the image.
Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto
Shard-like slivers of an image of Renato Baldin, are spread across a black background. The slivers of image show pieces of Renato’s body out of anatomical order, shirtless, including his chest, feet, face, neck and armpit. Surrounding these images, are text in blue and white, which reads “Narcissus, Art-Installation by Renato Baldin, photos by Filipe Paulo, May 25th- June 10th, Wed-Fri: 3pm-7pm Sat- Sun 1pm-6m Remote Gallery, 569 Richmond Street West." The bottom right corner displays the Akin Project’s logo and the Pride Toronto logo.
Narcissus, an installation by Renato Baldin with photographs by Filipe Paulo - Coming Soon to Remote Gallery!
The Greek myth of Narcissus tells the story of a perfect child, a gift from the gods, fated to live into old age as long as he never saw his own reflection. One day, Narcissus walked to a lake to drink, the water was perfectly still. He leaned over and saw his own reflection. Instantly, he fell in love with himself, leaned into his reflection, fell into the water and drowned.
Brazilian Artist, Curator Renato Baldin contemplates self reflection, beauty and celebrates body positivity in his newest show, Narcissus, an interactive installation set to take place as part of Pride Toronto, at Akin’s Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West from May 25th to June 10th.
Baldin was taken by the myth of Narcissus, the way it introduces reflection and self admiration as a negative construct. A queer activist, Baldin knows that self love plays an essential role in the health and vitality of the queer, gender non-conforming community.
“Fighting against an oppressive environment imposed by the binary gender system, we, as queer people, forget to love ourselves as we are,” Baldin says. “We all have beauty, we are all connected, we can be stronger if we stand together as a cohesive body, working as a community.”
The result will be an interactive photo mosaic of non-conforming bodies; wrinkles, muscle, skin tone, gender nonconformity, all united together in one brilliant image. Participants will be able to take photos with their phones and use a printer within the gallery to add to the installation. Viewers are also encouraged to participate before the show on Instagram, (@renato.baldin) where he’ll bring questions, themes and reflections, inviting people to interact.
Narcissus reflects on toxic masculinity, homophobia, fragility and freedom in the form of a broken mirror whose shards reveal the diversity of queer bodies. The exhibit will include images by Filipe Paulo, an acclaimed Toronto based photographer and filmmaker.
Renato Baldin is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, curator, and activist from Brazil. His work focuses on immersive art installations, influenced by his background in Architecture and Human Rights. His art installations include visual statements inspired by Queer studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Social reflections. They are experiential and invite people to reflect on our world together.
He has curated and designed over 15 exhibitions; has worked for high-tech museums like the Football Museum and Portuguese Language Museum; and is a co-founder and key organizer of the Sao Paulo LGBT Pride Parade, the largest pride event in the world with over 3.5 million participants.
Filipe Paulo is a photographer based in Toronto. His work blurs the lines of queer boudoir by exploring themes of repressed identity, sensuality, isolation and the search for the tangible in a digital world. Taking gay stereotypes, adding a wink and a bit of tenderness Filipe aims to titillate but more importantly to make the viewer feel something.
Filipe's instagram account @inappropriate.touching was started in 2019 as a venue to display his work and has grown to over 5,000 followers. He has a bachelors degree in Film Studies from Toronto Metro University and his final year queer themed short film, Porcaria, premiered at the 1994 Toronto International Film Festival and has played in numerous film festivals around the world.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Exhibition Details:
Dates: May 25 – Jun 10
Times:
Wed - Fri from 3pm - 7pm
Sat - Sun from 1pm -6pm
Location:
Remote Gallery (568 Richmond St West), Toronto
Narcissus at Remote Gallery is an
Official Affiliate Event of Pride Toronto 2023!
Akin Member Highlight - Kyle Yip’s RENAISSANCE SHOW at Collision Gallery
Long-time Akin Member Kyle Yip has a new and exciting solo exhibition that starts tomorrow! Be sure to swing by for the exhibition, drop in to enjoy the Opening Night celebration, or register for the Sound Bath Meditation to get the most out of this immersive show at Collision Gallery!
RENAISSANCE SHOW runs from April 18th to May 12th, 2023 at Collision Gallery (Commerce Court South, 30 Wellington St, Unit G114) with an Opening Reception on Saturday April 22 from 6-9pm and a Sound Bath Meditation with The SoundBody Collective on Saturday April 29th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Exhibition Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Image Description: On the left hand side are the Akin and Artist Project logos. On the right is a photo, a crowd of people stand in a broad, bright room lined with booths separated by white partition walls displaying paintings and colorful ceramics. A blue and yellow banner stands in the middle of the room which reads ‘Art Walks’.
Akin at The Artist Project - April 13 to 16
Get ready for the highly-anticipated return of The Artist Project at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, from April 13th to 16th! Featuring over 250 independent artists, including several Akin members, this event promises to be a celebration of creativity, inspiration, and connection.
The Opening Night Preview is on April 13th from 6-10pm, it will include a fashion show from Fashion Art Toronto, Aura photography, Tarot Card reading, and a live DJ set. Experience a stimulating environment designed to ignite enriching conversations and foster a personal connection with art.
The Akin booth will be showcasing the talented works of members of the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG: Amada Estabillo, Jason Bomers, Tiana Robinson, Erin McCluskey, Emily MacClennan, Mel Hayes, Felicia Cirstea, Maren Boedeker, Hamid Mohammadi, Linds Miyo and Chico Togni. Find us at booth 1009 near the Untapped Emerging Artist section (featuring Akin’s very own, Sabrina Pinksen)!
Another interesting exhibit will be the OCAD U Career Launcher Initiative, where Vladimir Kanic, the recipient of the Artist Project 2023 Career Launcher, will present Garden of Waves, as part of his ongoing body of work with algae for the 2023 fair.
Image Description: Miles Ingrassia at the Artist Project 2022. Miles is standing in front of his paintings which are displayed on a white wall surrounding him. Miles has a tshirt on and a hat and glasses and is smiling slightly at the camera.
While you are there, don’t forget to look for Akin members and alumni at their very own booths and say hello! Akin members exhibiting include Miles Ingrassia (booth 122), Carolina Reis (booth 108), Jen Arron (booth I6), Natalie Plociennik (booth 236) and Zoe Bridgeman (booth 926) and many Akin alumni will be among the exhibiting artists as well!
Click here to get your tickets. See you there!
Accessibility Information:
The Better Living Centre has step-free access to the building and is level throughout. A limited number of assisted devices are available onsite at the information desk for those who need them. Service animals are allowed into all areas of the event that are open to the public. The Artist Project is happy to offer a complimentary admission pass for the support person of a person with a disability.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
#BringingTheArtsToLife @CanadaCouncil