Michelle Forsyth, Test Patterns and Grips

At the acclaimed Corkin Gallery, deep dive into a colourful solo exhibition by multi-discipline Canadian artist

In a dynamic collection that features 18 works — both paintings and photographs — and spans a decade, artist and OCAD associate professor Michelle Forsyth’s Test Patterns and Grips reclaims a turbulent time in her life.

“These newer works are me coming into my own, they are reframing the items that surround me in a way that is now a representation of me rather than pieces that are external to me.”

Forsyth draws inspiration for the bright prints present in Test Patterns from the textures that make up her real life. Juxtaposing brightly hued polka-dots, stripes, gingham and plaid, she layers a central square that depicts actual garments with an outer plane of her own imagination. From the fabric of her ex-husband’s shirts to the black and pink of her best friend’s skirt, these patterns are deeply intimate explorations into meaning-making.

Open Gallery Modal

Equally autobiographical, Grips was created in Forsyth’s studio/home. Shot in natural light, the photographs depict sculptural forms made of plasticine moulded by her gripping hands. Since being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s, Forsyth has grappled with her mobility; Grips showcases the evolving physical constraints she faces when manipulating her tools. In Test Patterns, uneven lines reveal Forsyth’s unstable hands and the soft, crooked details of her resilience and artistry.

Featured image: Michelle Forsyth, Red and White Florals, on Red and Green Plaid, 2017-2023.