Face-to-Face: #NotA + Spectrum Exhibition

Come check out the exhibition “Face-to-Face“ on May 26th - June 21st at Island Mountain Arts, Wells-Barkerville, BC.

The gallery hours are:
Thursday to Sunday 11AM-6PM, or by appointment.

About:

Presented in the exhibition "Face-to-face," two distinct series of portraits capture the viewer's attention with their unique qualities. Created by Northern BC Artists Troy Lindstrom and Samantha Wigglesworth, these series delve into the nuances of initial impressions and preconceived notions.

Lindstrom's #NotA series confronts implicit biases aimed at individuals with disabilities. By examining these illustrations, viewers are prompted to reflect on their own thoughts when interacting with disabled individuals. They are encouraged to question whether their initial perceptions involve negativity, such as fear, repulsion, or pity. This series serves as Lindstrom's contribution to fostering a dialogue about the perception of people with disabilities in Canadian society.

Wigglesworth's Spectrum presents acrylic portraits that depict a small fraction of the diverse range of individuals within the 2SLGBTQI+ spectrum. The series also aims to initiate conversations about the interconnectedness of gender and sexuality. Each portrait shares an equal size and shape, yet the vibrant backgrounds and three-dimensional features emphasize the uniqueness of each artwork and person represented.

As visitors navigate the exhibition, they have the opportunity to assign assumptions and labels regarding the gender and sexuality of each depicted individual. However, the crucial question arises: can one accurately determine these aspects based solely on the representation in the portraits? How does one truly know without engaging in further understanding and dialogue?