In 2024, Art Toronto celebrates its 25th edition. Canada's oldest and largest international art fair will host over 100 national and international galleries, installations, project spaces, and so much more!
The theme of the exhibition centers around the concept of “home” as both tangible (physical) and intangible (non-physical), as both spatial (a place) and temporal (a feeling). The curation will explore differing conceptions of what home is and what it means, and how it is intimately wrapped up in identity, history, politics, and geography.
JANO
JANO Gallery will be presenting four incredible artists; Marilyne Bissonnette, Carole Baillargeon, Heidi Taillefer, and Riesbri that resonate with this year's Art Toronto theme. These four women bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, offering unique insights that enrich our exploration of the theme all while including elements of our biosphere. Their collective works not only maintain visual appeal but also demonstrate mastery across various mediums, aligning closely with the gallery's values.
Carole Baillargeon: Nature and Materiality
Carole Baillargeon’s textile art reflects a deep connection to nature through natural dyes and recycled materials from her home environment in Deschambault-Grondines. Her works embody the tangible and temporal aspects of home, presenting it as a harmonious coexistence with our surroundings and emphasizing traditional knowledge and environmental awareness.
Marilyne Bissonnette: Ambivalence and Memory
Marilyne Bissonnette’s sculptural works explore the duality of pleasure and harshness within the concept of home. Inspired by fairy tales, her installations, such as "Pains and Exaltations," juxtapose whimsical elements with unsettling undertones. This mirrors the complex nature of home as a place of comfort and conflict, evoking cherished memories and underlying tensions, and prompting reflection on our impact on the environment and animal welfare.
Riesbri: Personal and Cultural Identity
Incorporating her indigenous origins and personal experiences, her pieces resonate with cultural heritage and personal identity. This reflects the evolving nature of home, shaped by individual experiences and cultural contexts.
Heidi Taillefer: Ideology and Technology
Heidi Taillefer's paintings blend classical art with surrealism to explore life's philosophical themes. Influenced by technology and biology, her work merges traditional and modern elements, reflecting our complex world. Using animal portraits, she highlights concerns about technology's impact, showing how it shapes our homes, interactions, and identities. Her art invites us to reflect on how these changes affect our understanding of being human.
These remarkable artists provide distinctive insights into the theme of 'home,' displaying a range of mediums and technical expertise while upholding an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming style that resonates with the public. It's an effective means to connect with the audience and foster positive dialogue.