A Universal Feeling
Rosalie Favell. My First Day of Assimilation, from the series from an early age, 1994. colour print on paper. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Acquired with funds from the Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Naylor, G-96-22.
Depicting those nuances is exactly what Grace Braniff, WAG-Qaumajuq Assistant Curator of Art, tries to capture in the upcoming exhibition, Disorientations, Braniff’s first exhibition at WAG-Qaumajuq.
The idea for the exhibition took shape when Grace discovered she was pregnant and found herself grappling with identity shifts and changes beyond her control – becoming a mother, changing family dynamics, shifting work timelines for maternity leave, and the many other factors that accompany pregnancy and bringing a new life into this world. As feelings of disorientation became more frequent for Grace, she turned to the permanent collection to explore how artists expressed their own experiences of having their life, identity, or history turned upside down. The results of this exploration will now be on display in the exhibition.
Kara Elizabeth Walker. Freedom: A Fable, 1997. Paper. 23.7 x 21 x 1.5 cm. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Gift of the Peter Norton Family, G-98-250.
Disorientations features six artists spanning multiple decades and various themes related to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, and disorientation. Visitors will see works from evergon, Kara Walker, KC Adams, Rosalie Favell, Yasumasa Morimura, and Ekene Emeka-Maduka (not part of the WAG-Qaumajuq collection). Each artwork relates to different aspects of identity and politics, yet are united by a common theme: how we create and confront history while grappling with our own identities.
The goal of the exhibition is for visitors of all walks of life to find a common ground through the artists and artworks presented. By seeing and understanding different perspectives, visitors can explore how disruptive or challenging moments can shift the way we perceive the world.
Grace was particularly excited to share with visitors the universality of this indescribable feeling and how artists from various backgrounds address topics like race, home, politics, gender, and sexuality. Despite their different experiences, these artists are aligned in their mission to convey a feeling and present important topics related to identity, sparking meaningful conversations.
Opening Novembe 6, 2024
Gallery 7
Curated by Grace Braniff, WAG-Qaumajuq Assistant Curator of Art
Opening Novembe 6, 2024
Gallery 7
Curated by Grace Braniff, WAG-Qaumajuq Assistant Curator of Art
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To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit
