Sunday, July 30, 2023

Hi, art lovers!

CBC

Watching the FreeUp! Emancipation Day special has become a summer tradition at CBC Arts, and this year’s program arrives Tuesday, streaming live on CBC Gem at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT). A mix of documentary and all-new musical performances, the show is a celebration of freedom, marking the 189th anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act, which took effect in 1834. And from its origins as a Toronto open mic night, the event has grown into an acclaimed showcase of homegrown talent, with last year’s special earning three nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards. On deck for the 2023 show: appearances from folk singer-songwriter Kaïa Kater, rapper DijahSB, ballroom artist James Baley and more. All the programming details, including info on how to tune in, can be found right here.

And because we promised you eye candy ...

Deanna Bowen

Another noteworthy announcement for Emancipation Day: on Tuesday, the National Gallery of Canada will unveil The Black Canadians (after Cooke), a new installation by Deanna Bowen (seen here). The piece will envelop the gallery’s south facade through fall of 2024, and it’s one of the largest works they’ve ever presented. It’s a project that involved extensive archival research, and to get some of that background, I’d suggest watching this video interview with Deanna, as she discusses her own family’s story and how it merges with the complicated history of Black migration and discrimination in North America.

Séamus Gallagher

You’ll find an interview with Sobey nominee Michèle Pearson Clarke in the section below, but first, feast your eyes on this fantasy seascape by her fellow nominee, Séamus Gallagher. Séamus opens a new exhibition, Mother Memory Cellophane, at Momenta Biennale de l’image in Montreal Sept. 8.

Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett

“Where is home for you? How do you keep in touch with people far away? Who do you wish you could be closer to?” Artists Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett want to know, and they’re asking you to answer those questions by sending them a photo, message or voice mail. It’s all part of a new public art project (Play It By Ear), which is coming to Edmonton’s Butler Memorial Park later this year. (Deadline for photos is July 31, and they’ll be collecting messages until Aug. 1.)

Pionara

Picture from How to store your stuff in nature by Pionara. (As someone living with limited closet space, I’m tempted to interpret the entire photo project as practical advice.)

You've got to see this

Kristy Boyce

She became an artist at 40. Now, Michèle Pearson Clarke is a Sobey nominee at 50

Before the Sobey’s age restriction was lifted, the Toronto-based artist wouldn't have qualified for the prize.

CBC Arts

Once you’ve seen Rocky Dobey’s art, you’ll realize it’s everywhere in Toronto

Rocky’s been making street art since the ‘70s, and his metal plaques and sculptures are hiding in plain sight.

CBC Arts

Here & Queer with Devery Jacobs

Through her work in Reservation Dogs and This Place, the star is blazing a trail for a new generation of talent.

Follow this artist

Jace Junggyu Kim

@jacethekim

Jace Junggyu Kim

The Art Battle 2023 Canadian National Championship went down in Toronto last week, and before the tournament kicked off, Jace gave us a primer on what it’s all about.

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I’m Leah Collins, senior writer at CBC Arts. Until next time!