What: Curated group exhibition showcasing the works of artists exploring urban development, city planning and pop culture
Where: Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen Street West)
When: October 26th 2016-November 6th 2016
What is it?
This weekend, Toronto has for you not one, but two limited-time offers: Mild, sunny weather and some stimulating art. You should take advantage of both and explore the city!
But how? How do we take advantage of this?
Well, fear not Fair Citizens, Gallery 1313 and its presentation of City of Art II is here for you.
It is a curated group exhibition showcasing the works of artists exploring urban development, city planning and pop culture. The exhibition runs from October 26th 2016-November 6th 2016. Yes, lucky you! You have ‘till this Sunday!
My two and a half cents: The diverse pieces demonstrate unique styles, perspectives and levels of artistic expertise/rawness. They include digital prints, photography, tape, acrylics, encaustics, wood engraving, mixed media and sculptures.
Although each artist tells a stand-alone story, the placement of the pieces within the space creates a favorable and interesting flow.
James Malekzadeh’s short film, River & Oak is a wonderful addition to the exhibition; it explores a brief history of Regent Park over the decades. The film is gentrification humanized as expressed through the eyes of the neighborhood’s residents. It says just enough without saying too much, and leaves much to be discussed.
A bit about the space: What is presently Gallery 1313 (www.g1313.org) – An artist run centre exhibiting contemporary Canadian Art, was once home to Toronto Police Station Division 6 (1931-1965). The present space is managed by Artscape and owned by the city of Toronto. In the good ol’ days when it was built, its retail value was $85,000 CAD. Imagine if down payments were that low in Toronto now! I think I would try to own various police stations, they can keep the inmates though I guess.
How to get there: Nestled in Parkdale (see our Neighborhood Guide), Gallery 1313 is situated at, not surprisingly, 1313 Queen Street West, located on the south side of Queen Street between Lansdowne and Dufferin Street, (corner of Queen Street West and Cowan Avenue to be exact). The Queen Street streetcar runs right in front of the gallery for TTC-goers. If you choose to commit yourself to the mild terror that is downtown-driving, adjacent to the gallery is a municipal parking lot. The Gallery is wheelchair accessible.
Why you should go: You’ll be visiting a gallery where it is not only the art, but the building itself that tells a story. As you stand in the space and realize that you’re standing in what used to be a police station holding-cell, various thoughts and feelings may flood your mind; they may even impact how you view the art itself.
I could not think of a better space for an exhibition focused on history and change, than one where you physically step into history while simultaneously exploring the changes brought on by urban development, as they change the culture and course of history of the city we live in.
And if that didn’t convince you, well, it’s a limited time offer, and perhaps best of all, it’s free! And if it’s not really free, what’s the worst that can happen, I mean, after all you’ll already be in a police station holding-cell. But if you’re lucky enough to get out of jail, please write to us and let us know your thoughts about the exhibition, we’d love to hear from you, you and YOU!