A new youth-focused art initiative is being launched by the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
The Emerging Artists Unmasked initiative looks and reflects on how Covid safety measures have transformed Canadian culture and personal styles. It looks at how masks are a form of self-expression, articulating personal stories, cultural identities, and what unites people during the pandemic.
The initiative is a collaboration between contemporary Canadian artist Don Kwan, who is currently in the TOM’s gallery exhibition, Facing It, and senior art students at John Deifenbaker Secondary School.
During a series of virtual sessions, featuring an artist talk and global pandemic face mask workshop led by Kwan, the participating students were able to create their own masks to be displayed at the TOM gallery.
Inspired by Kwan’s artwork and the lived experiences of the students during Covid, the Emerging Artists Unmasked will be on display at the TOM’s Atrium from Dec. 9 to Jan. 31.
Mayor Ian Boddy says, “this is an innovative and timely art project from the TOM, connecting youth and professional artists. I look forward to seeing the inspiring face mask creations from our local students.”
People are invited to visit the gallery and view over 20 masks created using non-traditional materials, which highlight the desire for individual identity, while also suggesting everyone is in this together.
Curator of Public Projects and Education Heather McLesse says it has been refreshing to connect this way again through art. In sharing Kwan’s work with local students, learning about his practice, and creating a collaborative face mask art display, it has been a great experience.
“This is a must-see project, unmasking the lived experiences of our youth, their challenges, inspirations, and personal stories of perseverance during one of the most unexpected realities of our lifetime,” says McLeese.
Residents are also able to sign up for the virtual global pandemic mask workshop by visiting the gallery’s digital art portal.
