O2: Window exhibition space
Oxygen’s window project is entitled O2.
O2 is a window. O2 is Oxygen Art Centre’s off-site gallery.
CURRENT
11 October – 13 November 2024
Jennifer Burke, Samonte Cruz, Bee Schroeder
Purple Pain (2021)
Felt, leather, mesh, paint, glass, brass, fine silver, gold, black onyx & found objects
“Purple Pain” music video – Outside the Box (Nelson & District Arts Council), 2022
Artist’s Statement
During the fall of 2021, multi-media artist & performer Samonte Cruz, textile artist Jennifer Burke, and glass artist Bee Schroeder engaged in a collaborative art project, working together and in their individual studios to make components that were ultimately used in constructing a wearable, multi-layered garment that is meant to embody the experience of chronic pain; creating a physical representation & visual of Samonte’s invisible disability.
Through the creation process, the group explored the contrasting experiences of pain and social isolation with queer resilience, trans empowerment, and gender euphoria. It’s important to note that the three artists identify as queer and/or trans/non-binary and also manage chronic health conditions and pain.
While the group designed and constructed the garment over October and November of 2021, Samonte was also writing a song, reflecting on the collective experience of living through a global pandemic as well as their personal experiences as a queer, trans, person of colour [OTPOC] living with disabilities. The culmination of the project took place on November 30th, 2021, when the finished garment was worn by Samonte as they performed their new song titled, Still Breathing, at various locations on Sinixt Territory, also known as Nelson, BC. The final piece, in the form of a music video, was released virtually through the Nelson & District Arts Council for their Outside the Box performance showcase.
The design of the garment was based on a series of ‘pain maps’ drawn by Samonte between 2010 and 2021, after surviving a serious spinal injury. Pain maps identify areas and severity of pain in the body to help guide treatment plans for healthcare professionals. The different sizes of glass and metal spikes and shades of purple felt were used to illustrate the variation in severity of pain across Samonte’s body. The felted pain maps contain networks of gold threads, illustrating the transmission of pain via neural pathways.
The material choices of leather, metal, and glass provide physical protection for the wearer; while the amulet that sits across the chest is a prayer that invokes spiritual armor for the displaced, disenfranchised, and disabled. It provides strength and courage to the vulnerable, especially when exposing pain that is obscured by the body. The chest piece features an ancient Filipino amulet called a linglingo, and mirrors the composition of a Catholic rosary, referencing the 500 years of ancestral trauma experienced by indigenous Filipinos during Spanish colonization. Through the vulnerable communication of their pain, Samonte has been able to receive the care and support they need from their community. This garment reveals the power and protection that come when we share and show our pain.
The artists invite you to reflect upon the pain you carry, both physical, mental and spiritual, and what it would mean to share that with the people in your life. What could you gain by exposing your vulnerabilities? How could revealing your pain transform your experience? What is holding you back from sharing your experience with your community? The artists behind this piece believe these are essential questions that embrace the values of disability justice and lead us toward interdependence with people in our communities.
PAST
9 August – 9 October 2024
Hannah DeBoer-Smith
Tubby Lady’s Terrarium
Clay, cardboard, polymer clay and a bunch of other junk
5 April – 3 June 2024
It Could Mean Everything
Artist: Tracy Fillion
Medium: Embroidery on linen
8 February – 3 April 2024
Why?
Artist: Marcus Dénommé
Medium: Mixed media (silkscreen print/collage) on stretched kitakata paper.
Dimensions: 25” X 30”
Artist Statement
The organisation Unmute Gaza has been a major source of inspiration for this installation. In their mission statement they say that “Israel does not allow journalists to enter Gaza. They have also cut off electricity and the internet, creating a Media Wall that doesn’t allow for the necessary balance in the construction of History. Fortunately, there are still a few photojournalists inside Gaza risking their lives to document what’s happening there. The images they capture provide a true account on what is going on in Gaza. This is why we have decided to create artworks from the pictures made by these journalists, pasting them in our city. Just a small gesture to say WE DO NOT AGREE, WE ARE NOT COMPLICIT, WE ARE NOT LOOKING AWAY. So we print and paste. Print and paste.”
Described here is my own personal wheatpaste recipe:
Mix 3tbsp white flour with 10tbsp water until fully combined.
Add 1 cup of boiling water to the mixture, and move to medium heat on the stovetop.
Mix vigorously until boiling.
Remove from heat and let cool.
**Adding acrylic medium, wood glue, white sugar, and/or vinegar will improve the durability of the wheatpaste.
To find more information and follow Unmute Gaza, visit unmutegaza.com or @unmutegaza
4 December 2023 – 8 February 2024
Ink & Moon Collective: Calendar Retrospective
Artists: Keiko Lee-Hem, Myra Rasmussen, Melissa Owen, Slava Doval, Carron Mulligan, Rayya Liebich, Gina Sanche, Katie Sawyer, Catherine McIntosh, Tammy Everts, Andrea Levin, Brandy Erin, Nikki Pelletier
Artist Statement
We are a group of women passionate about making art and social change. Since 2012, we have produced a calendar with original lino prints. Over the years we have shared skills, evolved, and ventured from black and white to the world of colour. Each year we choose a theme to interpret through carved and printed lino block. What started as a way to create connection and inspiration, has grown into an opportunity to raise funds for organizations that are close to our hearts. In this window exhibition we will display our past calendars as well as some of our favourite prints from past years.
The theme for the 2024 calendar is Wild Hope and all proceeds from calendar sales will be donated to youth-led climate initiatives. Calendars can be purchased at Notably Books, Zinnia Textiles, or online.
Learn more: https://inkandmooncollective.ca/ & https://www.instagram.com/inkandmooncollective
17 November – 1 December 2023
WORM/HOLE: youth print exhibition
Artists: Lokina Comishin Kromberg, Gabby Asbell, Sylvie Thomas, Ella James, Seveyah Bilodeau, Katherine Wall, and Morgan Pesicka
Oxygen Art Centre is delighted to present the first exhibition in our window space, O2, featuring prints created during the WORM/HOLE youth arts education program.
Special thank you to WORM/HOLE instructors Catherine McIntosh, Myra Rasmussen, and Marcus Dénommé, and Education Coordinator Natasha Smith for putting this program and installation together!
Oxygen’s youth arts education program is generously supported by the Nelson & District Credit Union and the Urban Systems Foundation.
UPCOMING
April – June 2024
Tracy Fillion
