Akin Vitrine Q&A Series: Tiana Robinson installation 'A Simpler Time'
A Simpler Time, an exhibition by Tiana Robinson
Sep 22 until Oct 22, 2023
The Akin Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W
A closeup of the paintings in Tiana Robinson’s exhibition, A Simpler Time, against the white walls of the vitrine gallery. Amidst poems, the vibrant, colourful paintings on paper are detailed renderings of flowers and a young girl blowing a dandelion.
Tiana Robinson is a Canadian artist, born in May Pen Jamaica, Her journey as an artist began at an early age, as she was always doodling in class, or at home. In middle school, she was nominated to participate in the Leaf Dreams scholarship program which gave her the opportunity to freely enroll in art classes at the Art Gallery of Ontario where she was constantly being exposed to instructors who were working artists themselves.
Tiana attended C.W. Jeffery’s Collegiate Institute special art program, and it was here that she was introduced to the Modern Batik Art Technique during a workshop. Batik Art involves the application of simple ink outlines, light-to-dark gradation of dyes, and using wax as a resist for separating colours. Tiana was a quick study and gained rapid recognition for her work, including her best-known image, “The Nation of Mothers”, which was purchased by the City of Toronto and now hangs in the Mayor’s office. Tiana graduated with a Bachelor of Design from the York-Sheridan Design Program and is currently working as a Graphic Designer while still exploring her love of art.
Tell us about your exhibition
A Simpler Time was created using watercolour & gouache paint. This work was based on a poem I wrote called A Simpler Time. It shows a moment we have all experienced in our childhood of blowing a dandelion and watching the seeds scatter. It’s about returning to a time in our lives when we were free to have fun and just follow what felt right, what felt fun, and what made us happy. Summer days are filled with possibility and lots of sneezes.
What are you curious about right now? What do you do to stimulate curiosity and inspiration?
What I am curious about right now is just exploring new media. I am trying to get reacquainted with my art process, and just let loose and explore what can come out of no expectations. I am working on being a bit more free with my expression and trying to find an authentic voice that is more representative of the woman I am now.
Tiana Robinson, wearing blue jeans and a grey t-shirt, is pictured inside the vitrine gallery installing her exhibition, A Simpler Time, hanging bright, colourful paintings done on paper onto clear string.
What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now?
That was crayons, most definitely. Currently, I do mostly digital illustration and modern batik art with wax and dyes on fabric. I like the versatility of digital illustrations and the unique patterns created from the modern batik technique. Recently, I have been revisiting watercolours and gouache mediums and have been enjoying the learning curve of remembering how to work with the medium.
Do you have a studio routine ie: Are you a daily ritual person or are you project-focused in spurts?
My daily ritual when arriving at the studio is to first put some sage into my little humidifier to set the mood, and set up any tools I need that day. I ask a quick question of where I should start today and flow with whatever my intuition tells me to go.
Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?
I look at images to gain some inspiration and when I feel that tingle of excitement I follow that thread to the next step. Sometimes I am guided by meditations or poems I have written before and recently I love to turn those poems or messages into a motivational video and utilise music and video to create inspiration for myself and others. I recommend this video to get you fired up.
Artist Tiana Robinson in her Akin Studio
Is there an artist you'd like to go back in time to meet? Or someone you'd love to invite to dinner right now? Who is it and what would you ask them about?
I would love to go back and revisit the younger version of me before I stopped doing art and tell her that only when you are creating can you be fully you, fully grounded, fully really free. I realized after starting this journey again that It’s not losing my identity as an artist that made me fall apart. It was that I lost that ritual that allowed me to discard all the pieces of me that didn’t belong to me. All the external burdens and responsibilities that were not mine to begin with. I was no longer able to shed away that skin imposed on me by external circumstances, and sadly other people’s projections, demands, and responsibilities imposed on me slowly became my identity. I became empty while others became fuller, and paradoxically my spirit became heavier while others became lighter.
What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?
In 2020 I became paralyzed after getting sick with COVID, and spent the better part of 2021- 2022 just getting well again. I struggled a lot with my mental health, depression, and anxiety, and can say since getting and coming to the studio I am no longer depressed, my anxiety has reduced significantly and I am a lot happier and more peaceful than a year ago. More confident, even though I don’t know where I am going I just know I will be damned if I am going to stop this again. My new mantra for life now is “protect my peace”.
What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at?
I am not very good at asking for help, and at showing my work. I want to be better at showing every facet of me and just being present and stop overthinking life.
A view of the finished install of Tiana Robinson’s exhibition, A Simpler Time. The paintings and poems are hung on clear string fastened vertically from top to bottom of the white vitrine gallery. The paintings are colourful, intricate images of flowers. On the white floor of the vitrine are paint brushes and small palettes, and a small sign that reads the “A Simpler Time, Tiana Robinson”
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
The Akin St Clair Vitrine Gallery, 1747 St Clair Ave W
Akin 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.
End of Summer 2023 Wrap-up!
As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade, we find ourselves reflecting on the exhibitions that took place in Remote Gallery during these past few months. We extend our appreciation to all who ventured through our doors to immerse themselves into the work. Akin thanks all of the artists and our partners, the Neighborhood Arts Network, Toronto Arts Foundation, and Pride Toronto. As we bid adieu to summer's warmth, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of autumn, brimming with renewed enthusiasm for the artistic journeys that lie ahead.
May 24 - June 10
Renato Baldin, Narcissus, Pride Toronto Affiliate
Photo Credits: Renato Baldin
Enas Satir in the Vitrine Gallery (Month of June), A State of Chaos
Video of Artist Enas Satir setting up the Vitrine
June 17 - 25
Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh, aka NAG (Space Award Winner), Art Exhibition
Photo Credits: Naghmeh Ghasemzadeh
June 29 - July 2
Gizem Candan (Space Award Winner), Resonance of a Deep Ground
Photo Credits: Gizem Candan
July 6 - 13
Yannis Lobaina (Space Award Winner), Catch and Release
Photo Credits: Yannis Lobaina
July 15 - 16
IN THE MIDDLE
Curated by: Amina Boufennara, Habiba Raouf and Sara Abulkarim (Career Launcher Award Winner)
Artists: Amina Boufennara, Amnna Attia, Ayan Melikli, Christina Hajjar, Edriss Sydeqi, Özge Dilan Arslan, Pamela Andonian (Ch!K P), Qudsia Hussain, Rabiyah Sagheer, Sara Ghaben and Sara Abulkarim
Photo Credits: Sara Abulkarim
July 21 - 27
Elsa Hashemi (Space Award Winner), The White Cave
Photo Credits: Elsa Hashemi
August 5 - 6
Sara Abulkarim (Career Launcher Award Winner), Where Have You Been?
Photo Credits: Sara Abulkarim
Call for Artists! The Tasting Gallery by Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events
We are thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for artists to curate their own gallery in the vibrant heart of Cabbagetown. The Tasting Gallery by Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events is creating a captivating 350 sq ft space, designed to showcas artists working in the medium of paint for a three to twelve-month period. With client tastings occupying the gallery during weekdays, the artist may schedule appointments around the tastings and show as an open gallery on weekends.
Gallery Details:
• Address: 250 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario
• Approximately 350 sq. ft.
• Term: 3 month (with renewal options)
• Art Medium: Paint
Schedule/Availability:
• Monday to Friday: The space is used by Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events for client tastings.
• Monday to Friday showings by appointment only and scheduled around client tastings.
• Saturday and Sunday: Gallery open to walk-ins with the artist or artist representative present. Start time and end times can be discussed.
Gallery Expectations:
• Daniel et Daniel’s goal is to activate the space while it is not in use. It is crucial for the artist or their representative to be present on weekends for open door viewings and walk-ins.
• There is no expectation of rent, instead a low commission on sales of 15% will be paid to Daniel et Daniel for sales made.
• The space is a gallery not a workshop. Only finished works of art are to be brought in.
• Security Deposit: The amount for the security deposit will be determined and discussed upon agreement.
Artist Benefits:
• Opening and Closing Party: We encourage the artist to organize an opening and closing party to celebrate their exhibition.
• Passed hors d’oeuvres and stationary foods for up to 30 people provided at no charge by Daniel et Daniel Catering & Events.
• Gallery located in a culturally diverse neighbourhood with lots of weekend foot traffic. This opportunity provides artists with a dedicated platform to showcase their talent and connect with a diverse audience of art enthusiasts.
Apply before by Monday August 28!
If you are interested in running your own gallery in the heart of Cabbagetown, please email us at ken@danieletdaniel.ca by Monday August 28 to discuss further details and arrange a viewing of the space.
We look forward to collaborating with talented artists and fostering a vibrant art community in Toronto!
The Akin logo and the words "Introducing... Akin Richmond-Bathurst" appear on an image of a large window surrounded by a brick wall and a desk with chairs on both ends.
Introducing... Akin Richmond-Bathurst
Akin is thrilled to announce our newest studio, Akin Richmond-Bathurst! Located at 579 Richmond Street West, Akin Richmond-Bathurst is on the fourth floor of a beautiful old office building, with an open-concept layout, plenty of natural light, exposed brick walls and beautiful hardwood floors throughout the space. This new studio location has room for 10 Shared Memberships starting at $73/month, as well as 46 Dedicated studios ranging from 25sf for $174/month to 155sf for $597/month. Monthly membership fees include taxes, insurance, wifi, utilities, 24/7 access as well as use of shared shelving units, washroom, communal working areas, and kitchen.
579 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y6
Akin Richmond-Bathurst was set up as a replacement studio for Akin Stockyards members whose studio closed at the end of June. When a studio closes we always try our best to give the artists a space to relocate to and we are so glad to have had this exciting new space lined up for them! We are also giving priority to Akin Bloor-Yonge Members and Akin Waterfront members, as both of those studios have also closed over the last couple months.
Once our current members have been relocated, we’ll still have room for new members! If you’re interested in a space at Akin Richmond-Bathurst, email info@akincollective.com to be added to the waitlist. We will be offering any available studios to folks on the Akin Richmond waiting list, which is right across the street. Priority will be given to people who are on the waiting list, as well as those who have self-identified as belonging to our priority equity-deserving groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+)
Email info@akincollective.com to learn more about becoming a member at Akin Richmond-Bathurst!
We would like to thank our workspace partner, Allied, for this beautiful space.
We couldn’t have done this without them.
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: Text reads, "2023 Space Award Recipients.” Pictures of the six recipients of the award.
2023 Space Award Winners
The Newcomer Space Award is a partnership between Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network and Akin. This award focuses on providing affordable shared studio and/or exhibition space to newcomer professional artists who are past recipients of our Newcomer Arts Access Award (formerly known as RBC Arts Access Award). 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.
The six recipients will receive:
$500 cash to support their arts practice
$2,000 in Akin credit to be used for shared studio or exhibition space
The Newcomer Space Award is made possible with the support of RBC.
Azadeh Pirazimian
Azadeh Pirazimian is a multidisciplinary artist, art educator based in Toronto and former lecturer in Iran. With a passion for exploring themes of self-expression, communication, daily resistance, through diverse media, including drawing, painting, photography, performance, and sculpture. Her methodology has been consistent throughout her career, resulting in her own distinctive visual language.
Over the years, Azadeh has showcased her works at multiple exhibitions in Iran, Canada, and the Netherlands. Her art in Canada has received recognition through the Newcomer Artists Mentorship Grant and RBC Space Awards.
Azadeh holds a bachelor's degree in painting and a master's in visual communication. In the fall of 2023, Azadeh will pursue her MFA at University of Waterloo, where she can develop her artistic skills further.
Website: https://www.azadehpirazimian.com/
Chico Togni
Chico Togni holds a B.F.A. in Sculpture from the São Paulo University in Brazil and was an Artist Research Fellow at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. His works have been exhibited internationally, most recently at Kunsthaus Dresden and Museum der Bildenden Kunst Leipzig. He moved to Toronto in 2022.
Website: https://chicotogni.partial.gallery/
Helio Eudoro
Helio Eudoro is a Brazilian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto. He holds a BFA (Hons.) in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD University (2022). His work explores the intersection of identity, gender, sexuality, diaspora, and aging. Eudoro's art investigates themes of possessions, waste, and the cycle of mindless ownership, seeking to spark dialogues that challenge our understanding of body and identities, as well as material systems and their impact on consumption and disposal habits. He has received several grants and awards, including the 2022 OCADU Carmen Lamanna Award and the 2020 RBC Newcomer Arts Award. Eudoro's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums across Canada and Brazil, including the Art Museum at the University of Toronto in 2023 and ArtworxTO in 2022. His art is featured in collections such as the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.
Website: https://helio-eudoro.format.com/
Irina Lerman
Irina Lerman graduated from Vaganova Ballet Academy as a professional ballet artist in 2011 and 2016 with a Master's Degree in Choreography. She presented her first choreographic production, Mind Games (music by Max Richter), on The Mariinsky Theatre stage and performed classic and contemporary productions during her seven years at the Mariinsky Theatre, working with international choreographers like Sasha Waltz and William Forsythe. She won a Silver Medal at the International Competition in Riga, Latvia, produced independent ballet projects, and collaborated with artists, composers, filmmakers, and designers. Early in her career Irina taught as a Guest Teacher and Choreographer at Ballet Intensives in Europe and the USA and participated in the Netherlands Dance Theatre SI and workshops by renowned choreographers Wayne McGregor and Edward Clug. In 2019 Irina joined the Atlantic Ballet of Canada as a Lead Soloist. She is a recipient of the 2022 Newcomer Arts Award.
Website: https://www.irinalerman.com/
Kseniya Tsoy
Kseniya Tsoy is a new Canadian community-engaged artist originally from Uzbekistan. Whether it's community murals, illustration or cultural production, Kseniya’s work has a distinct social purpose and focuses on diversity and inclusion. As a visual artist, her work is inspired by folk motifs and legends of different cultures that influenced her throughout her life. As a person of mixed heritage, Kseniya’s art is a visual expression of her never-ending exploration of identity and belonging.
Website: https://www.ktsoy.art/
Lana Yuan
Lana Yuan is an artist living and working in Toronto. She has exhibited at the Art Museum at U of T, YYZ Artists' Outlet, Stackt Market Gallery Box, Center 3 Gallery, Ignite Gallery and Red Head Gallery. Between 2022 and 2023, she was awarded the 401 Career Launcher Prize.
Website: https://www.lanajyuan.work/
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
Donate to the Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund
The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund is a donation-powered fund which provides anonymous, one-time, emergency grants to artists towards their studio membership at Akin. The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund has been a vital resource for our artists, and, after allocating over $27,000 directly to artists' studio membership fees, is in need of donations. Your donation will directly support artists in continuing their practice in times of financial need.
“Akin’s generous relief fund has been an incredible help in relieving the financial stress of studio rental as a working artist and student. I’m happy to know that Akin understands the struggles artists go through and do what they can to promote the practices of their renting artists.”
Created in 2020 in collaboration with Rania El Mugammar, the goal of The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund is to provide short term financial aid to artists in unexpected situations or times of financial instability. Since its inception, this fund has directly supported 140 studio members in being able to keep their studio spaces at Akin.
This Fund is still very much in demand from our artists. We receive regular applications every month from our members. Since July 2022 we have distributed over $5000 to artists and yet the fund has only received $300 in donations in that same amount of time. This is why we are reaching out to our community for help so we can continue to offer this vital resource to our community of artists and makers.
“This bursary relieved stress during a difficult time and allowed me to focus on healing. Providing additional funding for the Rent Relief Fund will grant important financial help for Toronto Artist’s during a stressful, uncertain time, similar to my experience earlier this year. Thank you for your generosity!”
Click the link below to donate using a credit card or PayPal account. To donate another amount or to donate by etransfer or cheque please email us at info@akincollective.com
Thank you for your support.
Some facts about the Akin Rent Relief Fund:
Akin would like to thank Sarah Letovsky @sletovsky for the use of her artwork in the studio photography and @nate_dumlao for his background line drawing.
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’s 2023 Career Launcher Winners Announced!
Akin is excited to announce Damon Couto-Hill and Veerta Kumar as our OCADU Career Launcher award recipients for 2023-24. We’re excited to welcome them into the community!
These talented graduating OCAD students will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at one of Akin’s studio locations for 2023-2024. In addition to the $2,000 studio credit, each recipient will receive $450 exhibition credit for use at Akin’s Remote Gallery.
Image Description: Damon Couto-Hill looks directly to the camera in this close up shot of his face and shoulders. Damon has short brown hair, and brown eyes. Damon is wearing a red, blue, white and black striped collared shirt. Behind Damon is a room with white walls, out of focus.
Damon Couto-Hill is a Portuguese/Mohawk man and an interdisciplinary visual artist. He is a Six Nations of the Grand River member who grew up in Scarborough and currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada. He works with digital collages to entangle his body with images of Canada, nature, the Western art canon, and the internet to visualize the dysfunctions of Western collective consciousness through an intuitive, dream-like lens. He then translates the digital collage into physical form as fragmented wood panels painted in acrylic and oil, making the image again upon the scattered shards of a slanted mosaic.
Instagram: @damond.liver
Image Description: Veerta Kumar is smiling beside a large artwork. Veerta has curly black hair and wears a black, shirt with an asymmetrical neckline. The artwork, to Veerta’s left, are bright, colourful circles mounted on a black background. Each circle contains are backlit, translucent photographs . The circles contain photographs
Veerta Kumar was born in India in 1999 and lives and works in Toronto. She considers the flux, chaos, and fragments of our perceptions to decolonize modes of re-presentation and re-creation. In the past year, she observed the interaction of paint and light and engaged in various modes of making and materials, including ornamentation, textiles, found materials, family album photos, personal photography, and digital manipulation.
Kumar completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting in 2023 from OCAD University. She received the John Madott Fine Art Award for her recent body of work Tedhi Nazar exhibited at Grad Ex 108.
Website: www.veertakumar.ca
Instagram: @_veertakumar
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts
#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council
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
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
The Akin logo and the words "Akin Young-St Clair is here!" appear on an image of a brick and concrete wall with yellow flowers below.
Akin Yonge-St Clair is Here!
Akin is incredibly excited to announce the opening of our newest studio in Toronto’s Midtown, Akin Yonge-St Clair!
Located at 1 St Clair Ave W, right at the corner of Yonge Street, Akin Yonge-St Clair has room for 50 members in our 4 units in this large office building. Our team has been hard at work to get it ready! Akin Yonge-St Clair opened on May 15th to the first group of members who have relocated from Akin Bloor-Yonge. We are looking forward to opening the doors over the coming weeks and welcoming more members from our Akin Stockyards location to this bustling midtown location!
Beautiful light on the 11th floor!
Wide Hallways!
New Kitchenettes!
There are Shared Memberships available for $73/month, which includes access to shared working areas, shared storage, kitchen, a communal gathering area and bathrooms. There are 39 Dedicated Memberships in the building (i.e., your own studio), including private and semi-private options ranging from 35 square feet at $212/month to 243 square feet at $829/month. Both membership types include HST, 24/7 access, WiFi, contents insurance, as well as use of shared shelving units, washrooms, a kitchen and communal area.
Akin Yonge-St Clair is located on the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 11th floor of the building. There are no steps to enter the building and no steps throughout the building. All of the floors are accessible by elevator. There are men’s and women’s, and wheelchair accessible gender-neutral bathrooms on each floor. There is no free onsite parking for this building, but there is paid parking located down the street.
Priority for this studio has been given to Akin Bloor-Yonge Members, whose studio is closing permanently this month, and Akin Stockyards Members whose studio will be closing in June. Priority for any remaining studio memberships will be given to folks who have been on an Akin studio waitlist for 6 months or more, as well as those who identify as a member of one or more of the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIAP). That being said, we will do our best to provide studio space to anyone who is interested so we encourage you to join the waiting list as we hope to expand in this building as more space becomes available.
We would like to acknowledge the support of our partner Slate Asset Management for making this space available to Akin and our artists. We’re excited to welcome you into this studio and we can’t wait for you to be a part of this new community.
Email info@akincollective.com to learn more about becoming a member at Akin Yonge-St Clair!
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