HELIO EUDORO, Invisible at Remote Gallery

REMOTE GALLERY
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Helio Eudoro
Invisible
May 23 - June 2 at Remote Gallery

Image Description: A colour photograph of a person holding a large bundle of balloons obfuscating their face. They are standing on small rocks next to a large bolder by a body of water with trees and a sailboat in the background.

Solo Exhibition and Book Launch

Opening Reception: Thursday May 23, 6 - 9pm

Gallery Hours: Mon - Sun: 10am - 6pm

Invisible is a photographic visual essay by Helio Eudoro. Through self-portraiture and collaborations, the artist explores the complex layers of visibility and forms of cultural exclusion through the lens of sexuality, body image, diaspora and aging.

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.

Helio is a 2023 Space Award Winner. 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.

Learn more about Helio’s work at @helioeudoro, @nada_is_nothing and helio-eudoro.format.com

Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Y9

 

FUNDING PROVIDED BY

 
 

The Newcomer Space Award is made possible with the support of RBC.

Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo: Artist Tam Phan’s new exhibition at the Akin Vitrine Gallery

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We’re excited to introduce a brand new exhibition up in the Akin Vitrine Gallery at 1747 St Clair Ave: ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ by artist Tam Phan!

The exhibition will be up from February 9th - March 9th. The gallery is visible from the street 24/7, if you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by and take a look. In the meantime, read on to find out more about Tam’s work and inspirations! 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan, waring a respirator mask

About the artist: 
Tam Phan is a Vietnamese-Canadian artist based in Toronto who loves working with stained glass. Her practice explores themes of nostalgia, wonder, feeling lost, and identity. Her new installation titled ‘Every Day I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo’ will run from February 9th - March 9th in the Akin Vitrine, and will showcase various stained glass pieces, lite brite toys, and a gifted TTC lightbox. The installation is inspired by her trips to Vietnam and Japan. 

See more work on Tam’s instagram

Tell us about your exhibition!
Tam: “Everyday I Wake Up and I'm Still in Tokyo was inspired by a trip I went on to Japan and Vietnam in 2023. I felt lost on this trip and it impacted how I viewed myself and my identity. Although unsteady, I felt comfortable with my reading and conversational skills in Vietnam, plus I had family there who made me feel mostly at home. But once I got to Japan I felt lost again, and those feelings were amplified by being physically lost in a place where I couldn't understand anything.

I decided to take lots of pictures of the shop and restaurant signs, and three were my inspiration for the stained glass collection I have in the Vitrine Gallery. Each one is colourful, vibrant, and has Kanji in it, but there's a small feeling of sadness when I look at each of them. I manipulated the colours, design and shapes but ultimately kept most of them true to the original.

Thank you to the Toronto Arts Council who generously supported this project.”

 

Image above: Artist Tam Phan is standing beside the Akin Vitrine Gallery and looking at it. In the gallery are many colourful pieces of stained glass artwork incluing a large piece featuring a piece of chocolate cake with red cherries on it in front of an orange and blue background.

 

What was your first medium and what's your favourite tool/material right now? 

Tam: “Just a paper and pencil! I was also obsessed with gel pens.”

Do you have a studio routine? 

Tam: “I am definitely a project-focused artist. My studio mates will not see me for months until I have a new passion project. Then you'll see me in the studio every day, cutting, grinding and foiling like a mad scientist.”

Do you have creative prompts or habits to help you get started? Any self-care tips to share?

Tam: “Just do it! Go to the studio even if you don't have everything ready. I'm always surprised by how inspiring it can be to just give yourself space in the right environment. I also divide my time at the studio with playing badminton, and I find the two (making art, play badminton) inspire and motivate each other in odd ways.”

What are some of the benefits of being in the studio for you? What brought you to Akin?

Tam: “There are so many benefits. Even though every morning is a constant battle to get out of the door, once I'm at the studio I feel my creative side break through. The community, having an alternate space for creativity, and for this specific project, every single one of my studio mates helped me from cutting to design to installation or even just a short pep talk. It was incredible and made me so emotional. Everyone wanted me to succeed. 

I signed up for a space at Akin during the pandemic when I desperately needed a change of scenery and a chance to work with my hands. Being at Akin has changed my worldview in many ways.”

What are you NOT very good at? What do you WANT to be good at? 

Tam: “Not good: meeting deadlines. Want to be good at: meeting deadlines!!”

Akin would like to thank Tam for your lovely exhibition and participation, we love this installation and can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future! 

This project was produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council. #poweredbyTAC

 

New Exhibition at Akin Dupont Vitrine Gallery by artist Bernadette Peets

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Michelle Lee and Heidi Keyes

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The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and two cropped details of the two artists work in this blog post.

 

Welcome to the final edition of Akin’s Winter Makers Highlight series! If you still have anyone left on your holiday shopping list, then look no further - we’ve got you covered.  We’re excited to introduce you to Akin Dupont member Michelle Lee and Akin Yonge-St Clair member Heidi Keyes. They’ve got lots of exciting goodies available for purchase online and in person. Read on to find out more! 

Michelle Lee 

Michelle Lee is a Toronto-based visual artist creating works that are small and light enough to carry with you under any circumstance! Humorously, she conceptualized 'pocket works for the apocalypse', an ongoing series of paintings on hand built ceramics. The images she creates are dreamlike interpretations of places and people; each alludes to a bigger story, while exploring subtle moments of relation and transformation. The handheld size and wearable form offers a tangible connection to the body. Michelle’s studio practice is balanced by her work leading art and nature based programs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She received her BFA from OCAD University, and has exhibited in Ontario. Stay tuned for her participation in local art markets!

 

An image of Michelle Lee at a craft market. Michelle has brown hair with bangs, with a pink-blonde streak. She is wearing a pair of her handmade ceramic earrings. She wears a blue button down shirt and jeans. She’s standing, with one hand leaning on the table where her ceramics are displayed. There are small ceramic earrings, pendants and little blue pots. 

 

“My current process has really grown out of the desire to work with my hands in a slow and contemplative way. I’m interested in creating work that can be held and touched; that can become a part of the person who owns it. I’ve found small-scale work can invite this level of intimacy. There’s a need to approach them closely, with intention and care to really get a sense of their story. By having the pieces wearable, my work aims to connect this concept even further, having the art move with you, wherever you may go :) 

Each clay piece is hand built and intricately painted with underglazes using the tiniest brushes I can find. My go-to size for detail is ‘0000’, though I’m always on the lookout for a finer brush! All the pieces are then fired with a glossy clear glaze on top, and finished with either a chain to turn the work into a necklace or stainless steel hooks for a pair of earrings.

 

An image of a table, containing various vials of different coloured paint, and Michelle Lee’s hand holding a fine paintbrush. She’s working on two ceramic pendants, both identical, a blue, airy scene with the black outline of a person, with hair blowing in the wind, layered on top.  

 

My inspiration for the imagery initially comes from places that I’ve visited; often while out walking in nature or exploring new locations. From there, I’ll take reference photos to revisit when I'm back at my desk. Through drawing, I begin to reimagine and “deconstruct” the scene captured. I’ll pull forward certain formal elements that have caught my eye and I want to emphasize, while playing with colour and abstraction to shift the feel and composition. I like to leave hints and traces of the original subject matter, yet ultimately depict a new space open to interpretation, and where others can find their own personal connection.”

Check out Michelle’s work on her online shop www.pocketworksfortheapocalypse.com or on instagram  @mieve_lee

 

An image of Michelle Lee’s ceramic necklace called ‘Sisters” The pendant is crescent moon shaped with a chain attached on both ends. The pendant is painted with a series of lines reminiscent of a horison, with two shapes side by side, their shadows outlined with a dotted line. 

 

Heidi Keyes

Heidi is a mixed media artist residing in Toronto. She is from the Kingston area of Ontario and is part Nordic. Her practice seeks to uncover spiritual truths, which will help in creating what she has called "The Earth Idyllic". One of her influences is Swedish artist Hilma af Klint. Heidi believes that by continuously focusing on intelligent insights, wisdom and solutions and positive thoughts that we can realize a successful transition to a new Earth Idyllic.

 

An image of two paintings mounted on a wall in a living room. The painting are by Heidi Keyes. They are abstract paintings, in pinks, blues and reds. The room holds a long blue velvet couch, a circular coffee table with a vase, and some large books on the floor. 

 

“Most of my works are acrylic on canvas with various acrylic mediums. I do some works on paper. I am using a special pallet which resembles pastels and is intended to create a feeling of warmth and a frequency vibration of love. They are generated through layers of underpainting and a layering paint, the end result is a very glowy work. Spiritual truths arise during the painting process. Each piece deals with a separate aspect of human existence and provides some direction and guidance as to how we could improve.”

An image of an artwork on the wall of a home. The painting is done by Heidi Keyes, an abstract work in pinks, purples and blues. In the room is a modern style table, lamp, and stool. 

You can see Heidi’s work in an upcoming exhibition at Mit-Far Cafe at 1098 Yonge Street, at Roxborough.The exhibition runs till January 20th, 2024. @mitfarcafe.

See more of Heidi’s work on her instagram @heidi.e.keyes

 
 
 
 

Thanks so much to Heidi and Michelle for their participation! And thank you to our beautiful community of art makers and art lovers, for your support of local artists! We encourage you to shop locally and support artists with your purchases all year long!


Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.  

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council 

Made In Toronto - Highlighting Local Artists and Makers: Janet Hinkle, Heather Stewart, and Shayla Bond

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The words “Made In Toronto: Highlighting Local Artists and Makers” on a black banner at bottom and three cropped details of the thee artists work in this blog post.

 

As we continue to highlight some of Akin’s finest artists and makers this winter season, we’re excited to bring you some toasty warm talent! Akin studio members Janet Hinkle, Heather Stewart, and Shayla Bond have gorgeous original, handmade work available this season for purchase online or in person, read on for more details. 

Janet Hinkle

Akin Yonge-St Clair member Janet Hinkle is an interdisciplinary artist with a practice rooted in both contemporary fine art and craft. With a fondness for mixing juxtaposing materials and a practice rooted in shared histories, she is driven to explore concepts involving identity. Pulling inspiration from both mid-century forms and futuristic design, her work manifests as installation, sculpture, gatherings, time-based media, and both human-food and human-flora interaction. She is also one third of studio.docx, a creative team that presents innovative contemporary art in public spaces to create unique community experiences. In addition to her creative practice, Janet Hinkle coordinates and curates art projects and artist capacity-building programs.

 

Needle Study. A photograph of a textile by Janet Hinkle, Needle Study, in a gallery. The textile is a series of cyanotype fabric with impressions of various leaves, branches and needles. These blue squares of fabric are woven together with a lighter blue-grey fabric, hung on the wall and drapes down onto the hardwood of the gallery’s hardwood floor. Photo: June Cheng

 

“This winter I am eager to explore the human-flora ecologies present in many major cities, both harmonious and dissonant. Being based in a location that is witness to dormant and dead plant life for half of the year, I am interested in working with local plants in their over-wintering forms to create new projects and programs.” 

Find more of Janet’s work on her instagram @_janethinkle_  

Catch Janet’s work in these December and January events: 

• Château d'Orquevaux Artists & Writers Residency
this December 2023

• Exhibition: Perennial Darkness, Auroral Cultural Centre,
December 2, 2023 - January 27, 2024

• Window Installation: Shifting Grounds, DesignTO Festival,
January 19-28, 2024

• Exhibition: Château, Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
Corridor Galleries, January 27 - May 3, 2024

 

Storm Cloud. An installation inside a gallery of Janet Hinkle’s work. The white wall contains pinkish-brown foliage attached to the wall asymmetrically, surrounding an abstract image of pinks, yellows and whites. In front of the wall is a white table holding three small sculptures. Photo: June Cheng

 

Heather Stewart

Heather's artistic journey has been diverse, with studies at OCADU, NSCAD, The Academy for Realist Art, Avenue Road Art School, and a comprehensive three-year adult art program at Central Technical School.

Proficient in various mediums, including acrylic, printmaking, silk screen, and sculpture, Heather finds her artistic comfort zone in the simplicity of a pencil and the nuanced tones of watercolor. Her artwork aims to forge connections, ranging from the overt to the subtly nuanced, inviting viewers to explore the depth of emotion and expression.

A painting by Heather Stewart called Cottage Life. Rows of small cottage near the shoreline. The still blue water in the foreground reflect the cottages and sky, which is gray and blue. 

Residing and working in Toronto, Heather is an active member of Akin and The Don Valley Art Club, enriching her work with diverse perspectives and inspiration.

Find Heather’s work on her Etsy page, ArtbyHeatherStewart

Also check out Heather’s work at an exhibition on now at the Women’s Art Association

“My work is often inspired by my travels. I guide kayak trips in Georgian Bay all summer and love traveling to out of the way places. When I return to the studio I use these images as inspiration to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the places that I have been.” 

“I love creating paintings that vibrate with colour and create a feeling of space. I practice in watercolour and ink on paper as well as acrylic on canvas and wood panel. Most of my inspiration comes from my love of travel (and the fact that photos just can't capture the mood that I experience while traveling!)”

A painting by Heather Stewart called Long Drop, a small white house with a red roof sits on top of a tall cliff. The sky is a vibrant golden yellow-orange. On the bottom of the cliff is a beach with a white fence, surrounded by water. 

Shayla Bond

Shayla Bond is a Toronto-based process artist recognized for her interesting use of sewn fabrics, quilting and weaving techniques. Her work explores themes of perfectionism, control, and obsession, communicated through colour, precision, and repetition.

A believer in the intimate tradition of crafting her own materials, she also experiments with oil mixing using natural pigments along with paper making. By presenting kindred compositions across diverse mediums, she invites viewers to explore the distinct qualities of each to deepen appreciation of craft.

At the heart of her practice lies a dedication to closing the gap between historic and contemporary making. The old crafts are preserved in her body of work where the echoes of the past harmonize with the cadence of the present. 

 

Framework for feeling. An image of one of Shayla Bond’s textiles, mounted inside a thin wooden frame on a white wall, this fabric is filled with small squares of white interspersed with various coloured squares, mostly in reds, purples and oranges. 

 

“Primarily textile based, I use fabric and thread to create intricately sewn panels based on computer-generated compositions. My aim with these pieces is to cross pollinate quilting with conventional stretched art, to move the quilt from the floor to wall while mastering precision and control over the materials. 

I am also the proud owner of ESBE, an artisanal quilt brand where art meets utility through a modern perspective. Embracing traditional techniques, every quilt is meticulously handcrafted by myself, and is both flawlessly detailed and uniquely imperfect.”

Shaya’s work can be purchased on her Etsy store FurnAlleyGifts or through her artisanal quilt brand ESBE  at esbestudio.com

 

Briar quilt fields. An image of one of Shayla Bond’s quilts, blue and white divided into four asymmetrical sections, placed in a field of trees and wildflowers. In the foreground are yellow goldenrod, and lush green foliage all around. 

 

A huge thank you to Janet, Heather and Shayla for participating, we are your biggest fans! We’ll be bringing you more artist highlights in the coming days, so stay tuned!


Looking for more ways to shop locally this winter? Check out Akin’s Winter Art Map, a virtual guide connecting shoppers with local artists, stores and craft markets happening this winter.  

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council