There is talent all over UTM, but it’s possible to find it conveniently concentrated in one space at the Blackwood Gallery this month during the graduate exhibition.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of UTM’s Art & Art History program with Sheridan College, and 31 graduating students from the program are displaying their hard work in the campus gallery during March and April.
The celebration started on March 9, with the opening reception for the first half of the exhibition (which runs until March 20). The artists on display include Katherine Adams, Andrea Beiko, Emily van Dop, Laura Evans, Derek Friesen, Brent Hartford, Denise Juckers, Sebastian Koever, Christopher Lengyell, Ann Liao, Curtis Maclean, Emily Mahon, Patti Meris, Katy Montica, Catherine Red, Paola Savasta, and Natilee Zulerons.
This diverse group of artists uses a variety of mediums. From oil paints to silk-screening to video presentations, each piece stands out. The exhibition’s mission is to “reflect students’ individual interests, as well as their actions within and reactions to a shifting and indefinable world”. And with very different viewpoints and styles on display, the show certainly accomplishes that goal.
Emily van Dop’s ambitious multimedia display shows off her spin on the pointillism technique (“dots” of colour combined to form a larger picture). As well as her large, eye-catching wall installation, she also offers a glimpse into the creation process with a short time-lapse video to accompany.
With all of the different styles on display, the exhibit still feels very well-balanced. The pieces range from very large to relatively small in scale, and as a group, they easily fill the Blackwood Gallery. But the layout prevents the space from becoming overcrowded, and each piece is given its proper space to stand out.
And while this first group of artists provides an eclectic exhibition on their own, there is even more to come. The second part of the exhibition will run from March 23 to April 3. The opening reception for the second exhibition will be held on March 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Blackwood Gallery. The second group of graduates includes Smriti Bhasin, Victoria Borg, Karalyn Darosa, Weijia Feng, Jennifer Giang, Catherine Jeon, Ravneet Karir, Sara Moreno, Shirley Mpagi, Hannah Murray, Breann Ritchie, Karyn Semple, Adam Snowball, and Sarah Waterfield.
The Blackwood Gallery is open 12–3 p.m. on weekends, and 12–5 p.m. on weekdays (12-9 p.m. on Wednesdays). For more information, visit blackwoodgallery.ca.
