Ottawa Art Gallery launches summer programming with bold installations and stunning portraits 

The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) is set to mark the opening of its summer season with bold installations and stunning exhibitions, celebrating exciting initiatives that not only prompt reflection on Ottawa’s past but also create excitement about the potential of art to transform the city into a cultural destination. 

On the evening of June 20^th, 2024, the OAG will host its’ Summer Opening to celebrate the vernissage of the Gallery’s newest exhibition, Through the Ground Glass: Reframing William James Topley as well as the launch of OAG’s Arts Corridor, a project set to rejuvenate downtown Ottawa through art and culture. Both projects demonstrate art’s ability to craft powerful narratives. 

Through the Ground Glass: Reframing William James Topley 

Curated by OAG Chief Curator, Rebecca Basciano, the group show Through the Ground Glass: Reframing William James Topley presents the work of historical Ottawa photographer William James Topley (1845-1930) in dialogue with work by contemporary artists Lori Blondeau, Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Anique Jordan, Neeko Paluzzi, Adrian Stimson, and Geneviève Thauvette. These artists engage with image manipulation, costumes, and theatricality to subvert narratives and reclaim power through portraiture. 

“This thought-provoking exhibition features a dynamic group of contemporary artists. Through lens-based and mixed media storytelling, they reconstruct history and create new visual realities.” – Rebecca Basciano, Chief Curator, Ottawa Art Gallery  

Ottawa’s Arts Corridor 

The Arts Corridor project holds significant value for the city of Ottawa. It aims to transform downtown Ottawa into a dynamic art and cultural destination, enhancing the area’s visual and cultural landscape. This initiative will lead to increased visitation and economic activity, benefiting local businesses and fostering sustainable economic development. 

The beginning phases of the Arts Corridor project will be marked by the unveiling of a large-scale vinyl mural by digital artist EEPMON, who has transformed a nearby parking garage with his vibrant artwork Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave in collaboration with OAG and MASSIVart.  

“EEPMON’s bold, large-scale mural is a proof of concept to inspire new thinking as to the role public art can play in downtown revitalization, and how culture, government and businesses can work together to make this happen. Given our expertise in supporting visual arts in Ottawa and our experience with partnership development, OAG is excited to engage with various stakeholders to move the Arts Corridor project forward.” –  Alexandra Badzak, Director and CEO, Ottawa Art Gallery 

“I believe the creative arts play a significant role in connecting with the public. This is evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive response to my digital art mural, Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave, the largest artwork I have created to date. As such, public art inspires and empowers the very fabric of our communities.” – EEPMON, artist 

Click here for all the details of the OAG’s Summer Opening.

The OAG acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada for this project.

Listing information:   

Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave 
Artist: EEPMON 
Dates: June 2024 – June 2026 
Location: exterior of parking garage across from OAG’s Daly Avenue 

Media images: 
Chaos Bloom – Tidal Wave: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xwl4xom08sv7i0rdgjyy2/AOKQqOhnMU6nXzqOgzA8aNw?rlkey=azsrngfdi96gedbao76iqaf2k&st=kzxojh2p&dl=0 

Through the Ground Glass: Reframing William James Topley  
Curator: Rebecca Basciano   
Artists: Lori Blondeau, Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Anique Jordan, Neeko Paluzzi, Adrian Stimson, Geneviève Thauvette, and William James Topley 
Dates: June 21, 2024 – February 9, 2025 
Location: Ottawa Art Gallery, 4^th floor 

Media images: 
Through the Ground Glass: Reframing William James Topley: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/k54m13aou34863ebvqr8j/APlr6Bt422z7npe2cAwfzAA?rlkey=uuv23xdxjojocfagrce74xn0b&st=g4wvwuw8&dl=0 

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For media enquiries, please contact:   

Véronique Couillard, Officer, Media, Public and Francophone Relations   
vcouillard@oaggao.ca, 613-233-8688, ext. 244