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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 20th, 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, 4th 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
50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 0C5, CANADA
Mailing Address: 10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2 | Rideau O-Train Station
Ottawa Art Gallery is situated on traditional Anishinābe Aki.
Charitable No. 137078960RR0001
OAG is Open from 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday | from 10 AM to 9 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is always FREE. Register for Summer Art Camps!
