Winter 2023 at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

Joi T. Arcand, Never Surrender, 2020. Painted sign material, 322.6 x 383.5 x 10.2 cm. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Shelby Lisk.

The Power Plant has announced a calendar of free public programs to engage visitors with upcoming exhibits, events and workshops

By Joseph Cicerone

Bid farewell to your winter blues because The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery just announced its public programming for Winter 2023. Two solo exhibitions will be presented as part of the gallery’s year-long 35th anniversary, along with a group exhibition and engaging public events. The best part, in line with The Power Plant’s commitment to providing Toronto with an open space for cultural exchange and thought-provoking art, admission is free!

Brenda Draney, Accord, 2021. Oil on canvas, 51 x 64 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Catriona Jeffries, Vancouver. Image courtesy of Catriona Jeffries. Photo: Rachel Topham Photography.

Drink from the river is an extensive exhibition of works, including six new commissions, from Cree artist Brenda Draney. This will mark the Edmonton-based painter’s largest institutional exhibition to date, and invite guests into the incredibly personal and expressive storytelling of her craft.

Brenda Draney, Toast, 2022. Oil on canvas, 152 x 122 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Catriona Jeffries, Vancouver. Image courtesy of Catriona Jeffries. Photo: Rachel Topham Photography.

From February 3rd through May 14th, Draney’s work will be one of two solo exhibits showing at the gallery. The second is a collection of film, garments and photography by UK-based Amartey Golding. In the comfort of embers marks his first solo exhibition in Canada, and reveals the artist’s engagement with intimacy, vulnerability, and physical strength.

Amartey Golding, still from Bring Me to Heal 2, 2021. Video projection, 19:10. Courtesy of the artist.

The Power Plant’s group exhibition, titled in parallel, will also run for the entire course of the Winter 2023 season, and feature works from Rouzbeh Akhbari, Joi T. Arcand, Aylan Couchie, Simon Fuh, Anique Jordan, and Julia Rose Sutherland.

Public programs accompanying the Winter 2023 season include a series of conversations with the exhibiting artists; a master class with Brenda Draney for Ontario-based artists; a screening of the TIFF-premiered film The Maiden (2022), and more. Plus, Sunday Scene and Power Kids will continue to take place on select Sundays throughout the season—offering accessible entry points into conversations about contemporary art for visitors of all ages.

Julia Rose Sutherland, Flesh Economics, 2018. Neon sign, 62.6 x 62.2 x 15.2 cm. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Mike Love.

“The Winter 2023 exhibitions explore many sensitive yet timely subjects, including intimacy and the lasting effects of colonialism,” says Adelina Vlas, Head of Cultural Affairs. “Through a broad range of talks, workshops, and events, The Power Plant continues to facilitate conversations on the critical issues of our times, whether that’s with children, first-time visitors, or experienced art enthusiasts and local artists.”

Winter 2023 at The Power Plant is geared up to be an immersive experience for experienced art enthusiasts and novice gallery dwellers alike. Not to mention an inspiring outing to get us through these chilly winter months.

Keep up with Designlines’ arts coverage to stay in the know on the latest public installations, exhibits and more.

Last edited: January 30, 2024

Categories: Arts & Culture