Call for Applications: Curator in Residence
April 16, 2025
The Department of Visual Arts is seeking applications from emerging and established curators for a one-year position as Curator-in-Residence in Social and Environmental Justice in the Arts. The Curator-in-Residence will collaborate with faculty and staff, mentor students, and develop a curatorial project focused on social and environmental justice.
Steve deBruyn: Quilting Bee Plus | Strand Fine Art Services
April 06, 2025
Recent graduate of the Department of Visual Arts' MFA program Steve deBruyn's recent work is being featured in a solo exhibition at Strand Fine Art Services in London. Strand Fine Art Services, 1161 Florence St., London
Graduate Symposium and Open Studios
March 26, 2025
Graduate students in the Department of Visual Arts are hosting Graduate Symposium and Open Studios on Saturday, April 5. They invite you to join them at the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre starting at 10am for presentations, followed by a reception at the McIntosh Gallery at 2pm, open studios from 4 - 6pm, and tba graduate journal launch party at 7pm.
Kim Neudorf Reviews Racquel Rowe's Solo Exhibition | Akimbo
March 07, 2025
Part-time lecturer Kim Neudorf reviews PhD candidate Raquel Rowe's recent solo exhibition "The Centre of the World Was the Beach," which concluded at Forest City Gallery on March 8.
Behnaz Fatemi: Rhythm of Remembering | Art Windsor Essex
March 03, 2025
PhD Candidate Behnaz Fatemi invites you to attend her artist talk on March 20 from 6:00pm - 6:30pm at the AWE (Art Windsor Essex). She will be discussing her current exhibition, "Rhythm of Remembering," which is curated by Niku Koochak. The exhibition runs from March 20 - June 29, 2025.
Book Release and Artist Talk: Carolyn Bell Farrell | AGO Baillie Court
March 01, 2025
"Tim Whiten: Life & Work," is a new book by author and PhD Candidate Carolyn Bell Farrell, published by the Art Canada Institute. The book traces the distinguished fifty-year career of Toronto-based artist Tim Whiten (b. 1941) and his lifelong commitment to investigating the human condition. Bell Farrell joins Tim Whiten in a conversation, moderated by Julian Cox, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Art Gallery of Ontario, on Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm at the AGO’s Baillie Court. This public talk is scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition, Tim Whiten: A Little Bit of Light, curated by Julian Cox, which opens at the AGO on March 26.
Artist Talk: Sandra Brewster | Conron Hall
February 11, 2025
Join The Department of Visual Arts on Thursday, March 6 at 6:00 pm ET for an artist talk by Sandra Brewster in Conron Hall at Western University. Sandra Brewster is a Canadian artist based in Toronto. Her practice is grounded in people of the Caribbean diaspora, who maintain a relationship with "back home". This is a public, free, and hybrid event.
Duncanson Lecture: Wanda Nanibush, "Performing Sovereignty" | Conron Hall
February 09, 2025
The Faculty of Arts & Humanities is honoured to host Wanda Nanibush for the second Robert and Patricia Duncanson Lecture of 2025, held on March 4, 2025. Wanda Nanibush is an Anishinaabe-kwe image and word warrior, curator and community organizer from Beausoleil First Nation, Canada. This hybrid event can be attended in person at Conron Hall or online via Zoom. There is no cost for this event.
Indigenous Casting Call Workshop with Theo Cuthand
February 07, 2025
Join Indigenous Artist-in-Residence, Theo Cuthand (Plains Cree, Little Pine First Nation), for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn acting exercises for the screen and how to record a top-notch audition tape using your phone (and some simple accessories!).
Racquel Rowe: The Centre of the World Was the Beach | Forest City Gallery
February 05, 2025
Be sure to see PhD candidate Racquel Rowe's solo exhibition "The Centre of the World Was the Beach" in its final weeks at Forest City Gallery. Rowe is an interdisciplinary artist from the island of Barbados currently residing in Canada. Her practice is continuously influenced by many aspects of history, matrilineal family structures, diasporic communities, and her upbringing in Barbados.
Ecologies in Practice Podcast
February 03, 2025
Hosted by PhD candidate Ashar Mobeen, Season 1 of the podcast brings together artists, scholars, and community members engaging with pressing environmental issues through art, science, and practice. Over the coming months, they will explore topics like soil regeneration, Indigenous land stewardship, water, air, and the challenges of textiles and plastics. Season 1 is Supported by the Sustainability Impact Fund at Western University, and based out of the Centre for Sustainable Curating, in the Department of Visual Arts.
In Conversation: Theo Jean Cuthand and Wanda Nanibush | U of T Scarborough
February 01, 2025
Artist Theo Jean Cuthand and curator Wanda Nanibush will provide insight into the development of the current Doris McCarthy Gallery exhibition Love + Numbers, exploring Cuthand’s groundbreaking thirty-year artistic practice.
Panel Discussion: Racquel Rowe and Jessica Karuhanga in Conversation
January 27, 2025
In partnership with Forest City Gallery, and to celebrate Racquel Rowe's current solo exhibition, "The Centre of the World was the Beach," SASAH hosts a conversation between Rowe and artist Jessica Karuhanga. The artists will be discussing their multi-faceted practices in a discussion moderated by SASAH student Kira McCallum-Schmidt. Rowe is a PhD candidate in Art & Visual Culture in the Department of Visual Arts, and Karuhanga is a Professor in the Department of Visual Arts. This hybrid talk will be available in person at Western University, Digital Creativity Lab, and online (Zoom link will be posted).
Upcoming Conference - Decolonial Conversations
January 26, 2025
"Decolonial Conversations" is a conference accompanied by creative projects that will take place at the forks of the Deshkan Ziibi on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron. The conference includes panels on transnational Intimacies; historical and contemporary partitions; the politics of dress, bodies, and activism; racialized histories in national and international contexts; Canadian and global indigenous networks, and global theatre and performance. Conference registration is open now.
With gardens and garbage, artists are reimagining the life and death of their work
January 14, 2025
Congratulations to PhD candidate Katie Lawson, whose article "With gardens and garbage, artists are reimagining the life and death of their work" was recently featured by CBC Arts. Lawson works with the Centre for Sustainable Curating in the Department of Visual Arts.
Christopher Wallis: In Balance of Light | ArtLAB Gallery
January 02, 2025
Curated by Dr. Cody Barteet and Natalie Scolia, "Christopher Wallis: In The Balance of Light" is showing in the artLAB Gallery until January 30, 2025. This exhibition showcases the brilliant career of Christopher Wallis (1930–2021), one of the most celebrated stained-glass artists of his generation. This exhibition draws from sketches, coloured designs, full-scale cartoons, and completed windows, offering an unprecedented look into his creative process and the breadth of his artistic legacy.
You and I Are Water Earth Fire Air of Life and Death - PART 5 | artLAB Gallery and Livestreaming
December 06, 2024
"Water (Deshkan Ziibi)” is curated by Christof Migone, Sheri Osden Nault, and Ruth Skinner. Presented by the artLAB Gallery at the Department of Visual Arts, this 12-hour event will be streamed via YouTube and will feature performances by participants Kate Armstrong, Bagida’waad Alliance, Dickson Bou, Penelope Cain, Shannon Cooney, Tom Cull, Melissa General, Farheen Haq, Kaya Joan, Sharmistha Kar, Claire Liu, Patrick Mahon, Thomas Mahon, Brady Marks, Christof Migone, Laura Millard, Valerie Mills-Milde, Star Nahwegahbo, Sheri Osden Nault, Eli Nolet, Raquel Rowe, Jon Sasaki, Lou Sheppard, Ruth Skinner, Quinn Smallboy, Jordyn Stewart, Mark Timmings, Paul Walde, Michelle Wilson.
coda(.) | Satellite Project Space
December 06, 2024
Satellite Project Space's current exhibition, "coda(.)" features work by graduate students Eric Allan Cameron, Tia Bates, Natasha Beaudoin, Sebastian Evans, Behnaz Fatemi, Brittany/Andrew Forrest, Jen Hamilton, Moira Hays, Danielle Petti, Emilie Robertson. Closing Reception: December 7, 3-5pm
Members' Show & Sale | Forest City Gallery
December 06, 2024
In partnership with Embassy Cultural House, the FCG annual Members' Show & Sale features the work of Western undergraduate students Amythly, Genevieve Buchanan, Jadhen Pangilinan, Maggie Shook, Jade Williamson; graduate students Sebastian Evans, Jessica Irene Joyce, Moira Hayes; and faculty Ron Benner, Wyn Geleynse, Jamelie Hassan, Patrick Mahon, David Merritt. Other participating artists include a past Indigenous Artist in Residence and many Western alumni.
Remembering Patricia Deadman
December 06, 2024
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Patricia Deadman, celebrated artist, writer, and Curator of the Woodland Cultural Centre. Patricia leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the world of Indigenous art, and many in the London arts community and beyond will remember her fondly and will mourn her loss.
Inspiring Minds: Ashar Mobeen
December 06, 2024
PhD candidate Ashar Mobeen is featured in Western's Inspiring Minds showcase. Inspiring Minds seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research, while enhancing transferable skills. Mobeen's research investigates the manifestation of comprehensive astronomical understanding in the art and architecture of ancient and Indigenous civilizations across the globe.
SustainableCities: A Collective Eclipsing | artLAB Gallery
November 20, 2024
Curated by Imogen Clendinning, "SustainableCities: A Collective Eclipsing" features work by artists Brigitta Zhao, Philip Gurrey, Michelle Wilson, Theo Jean Cuthand, Danielle Petti, and Jessica Joyce. Opening reception is Friday, November 22 from 5-7pm in the artLAB Gallery.
G’round Textile Waste Tour & Seminar
October 09, 2024
G’round Textile Waste Tour & Seminar! Visit the Goodwill Commercial Solutions facility in London to get a behind the scenes look at how donated items and textiles are sorted, managed and recycled. Then the following day join artist Lois Klassen for an exploration of textile circularity at the personal level. Register to attend!
Open Studios | Graduate Program
October 09, 2024
We are hosting our first Open Studios of the year on October 24th from 8-9pm in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre here at Western. MFAs and PhDs are opening their studios, so come see the creative process, engage in relevant discussions, get inspired, and meet our cohort! This event is free and open to the public.
Closing Reception & Artist-led Tour of Lullaby at McIntosh Gallery
August 29, 2024
Join us in celebrating Brittany/Andrew Forrest's MFA thesis exhibition "Lullaby" at McIntosh Gallery and the closing reception and artist-led tour. This event is free and open to the public, all are welcome to attend and no registration is required. Enjoy snacks and refreshments among friends and community members. Remarks and artist-led exhibition tour at 5:30p.m.
Hannah West: Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) | artLAB Gallery
August 29, 2024
Congratulations to Hannah West whose MFA thesis exhibition is on view "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" in the artLAB Gallery September 5th - September 30th. Join us for an opening reception on Thursday, September 5 from 5-7pm!
Indigenous artist-in-residence uses film and video games to connect with students
By
Jo Jennings ,Western News , August 19, 2024
Theo Jean Cuthand, an experimental and narrative filmmaker and indie game developer, joins Western this fall as the new Indigenous artist-in-residence. Cuthand’s works have been shown in festivals and galleries internationally, including the Tribeca Film Festival, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the National Gallery of Canada. “Theo is bringing an exciting expertise to Western with his experience in short experimental narrative videos and films about queer identity and love, sexuality, madness and Indigeneity,” said Alena Robin, chair of the department of visual arts. “These are timely topics that are of concern to our students, department, campus and London community.”
Brittany/Andrew Forrest: Lullaby | McIntosh Gallery
August 06, 2024
Congratulations to Brittany/Andrew Forrest whose MFA thesis exhibition titled "Lullaby" is on view in the McIntosh Gallery August 6 - September 6, 2024. Join us for the closing reception and artist-led tour at the McIntosh Gallery on Friday, September 6 from 5pm to 7pm. This event is free and open to the public, all are welcome to attend.
Jessica Irene Joyce: How can I be OK with the e/and of the world? | artLAB Gallery
July 18, 2024
Congratulations to Jessica Irene Joyce whose MFA thesis exhibition titled "How can I be OK with the e/and of the world?" opens tonight in the artLAB Gallery and is on view until August 1, 2024. Join Jessica Irene Joyce and Ashar Mobeen for an exhibition tour and discussion on Tuesday, July 30 from 12-1PM
Anahí González: used as a material in the production of another | Artcite Inc.
July 15, 2024
Anahí González's PhD thesis exhibition at Artcite Inc. in Windsor, Ontario explores migration, Mexican labour, and identity with questions relating to commerce, systems of power and the event of photography through the mediums of photography, installations, and participatory practices. In “used as a material in the production of another", González engages with different industries that connect today’s Mexico and Canada, such as the automotive industry, agriculture, and others, and highlights how systems of power perceive Mexican labour as mobile, multi-purpose, and temporary.
Anahí González: used as a material in the production of another | Artcite Inc.
June 20, 2024
Save the date! Come celebrate the work of Anahí González, a current PhD candidate and MFA alum, at the opening of her PhD thesis exhibition, "used as a material in the production of another," at Artcite Inc. in Windsor, Ontario, on Friday, July 12. An artist talk and performance will follow on Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m.
Sasha Opeiko: a movement of darkness on darkness | McIntosh Gallery
June 09, 2024
The McIntosh Gallery presents Sasha Opeiko's PhD thesis exhibition, titled "a movement of darkness on darkness". You're invited to the opening reception on Thursday, June 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Collecting Her Thoughts: Lightning Talks on Women Art Collectors Across Time
June 04, 2024
PhD Candidate Ashar Mobeen delivered a lightning talk titled, “Mapping the Cosmos: Vera Rubin and the Art of Astronomy” at Boston University on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Retrospective Exhibition Showcases the Unique Works and Legacy of London Artist Philip Aziz
May 29, 2024
An exhibition showcasing works by London artist Philip Aziz opens at Satellite Project Space on Monday, June 3rd. Painted By My Hand: Works from the Collection of Philip Aziz features a selection of paintings, lithographs, and photographs from the personal collection of Philip Aziz (1923 – 2009), a renowned London-based artist whose works have been shown in London, Toronto, Detroit, and New York. Curated by Prof. Cody Barteet and Natalie Scola a current PhD candidate in the Department of Visual Arts.
Department of Visual Arts at INSAP 2024
May 25, 2024
At the INSAP 2024: Thirty Years of Astronomy, Art and Inspiration conference hosted by the Ionian University of Corfu, Professor John Hatch presented a paper titled "Touching the Universe: Backyard Science Projects in Contemporary Art" along with PhD candidate, Ashar Mobeen who presented a paper titled “Cosmic Echoes in the Art and Architecture of the Islamic Golden Age”.
Exhibition Review: Derek Liddington at Contemporary Calgary
By
Marsel Reddick ,Akimbo , May 23, 2024
"Derek Liddington’s the trees weep, the mountains still, the bodies rust covers Contemporary Calgary from floor to ceiling, every wall painted with pink, blue, purple, and white – but mostly green – amorphous forms just familiar enough to invite viewers to play with interpretation. At first abstract, the fluid contours generate the visual experience of running through a forest. There emerges a tree, then a stream, then a leg, dancing and jumping. Canvases hanging on the walls are mostly rectangular, with some in shapes that resemble hands and feet..."
Temporal Palimpsests: Curated by Amy Skodak | Cohen Commons
May 23, 2024
The exhibit showcases the work of artists from the Department of Visual Arts at Western University who address themes such as memory, the passage of time, the impacts of time, and the cataloging of time. Through repurposing material and in multi-media installation, these artists reimagine the palimpsest. This exhibition is curated by Amy Skodak, MA candidate and features artwork by: Jessica Joyce, Rylee Rumble, Chloe Serenko, SiHyun Kim, Anna Riberdy, Danielle Petti.
Dong-Kyoon Nam: proce-ss-emblage|distanced-matters
April 19, 2024
The Artlab Gallery presents Dong-Kyoon Nam's PhD thesis exhibition, titled "proce-ss-emblage|distanced-matters". You're invited to the opening reception on Thursday, April 25 from 5pm to 7pm. Additionally, join us again on Wednesday, May 1 at 2pm to bring your questions, concerns, doubts, and inspirations related to your thoughts, observations, and experiences from the exhibition. Dong-Kyoon Nam will briefly discuss his ideas and practice with Steven Debruyn, an MFA candidate. Following this, we'll open up the floor for a community discussion on everyone's responses to the exhibition.
UAAC-AAUC Conference 2024: Call for Papers
April 15, 2024
The UAAC-AAUC conference will be held in the Department of Visual Arts at Western University from October 24 to 26, 2024. We invite the submission of paper proposals until May 31st, 2024.
PhD candidate Blessy Augustine recently published an essay in the journal Photography and Culture
April 14, 2024
Blessy Augustine, “The Francis Effect and the Significance of Gestures and Images,” Photography and Culture, 16 no. 3 (2023): 253-256.
PhD candidate Anahí González recently published an essay in the journal Photography and Culture
April 14, 2024
Anahí González-Terán, “Exhibiting Migration Stories: An Exploration of Poetics in Moysés Zuñiga’s Photography,” Photography and Culture, 16 no. 3 (2023): 235-242.
Sydney McArthur: Subtitles Speak: Building Bridges Through Text and Image
April 13, 2024
Sydney McArthur, MA Candidate in Art History and Museum Studies presents her curatorial project titled “Subtitles Speak: Building Bridges Through Text and Image,” in the JLVAC, April 22-26, 2024. McArthur notes, "This project connects film stills with contemporary art on the use of subtitles to relay deeper meanings. The subtitle has its origins in film for the purpose of translation and accessibility. This mini exhibition uses subtitled film stills as a symbol of otherness, translation, and understanding between the viewer and art."
Derek Liddington: the trees weep, the mountain still, the bodies rust | Contemporary Calgary
April 10, 2024
The trees weep, the mountain still, the bodies rust features a recent body of work by Visual Arts PhD candidate and MFA alum, Derek Liddington in which the genre of landscape is the central focus. This exhibition is on view at Calgary Contemporary until August 25, 2024.
Grad Open Studios and Research Presentations
March 28, 2024
Important update - April 11, 2024: PSAC 610 is on strike, and in solidarity, the graduate students of the Visual Arts Department have indefinitely postponed this year's Open Studios and Research Presentations that were to be held on 13 April at the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre.
Philip Gurrey: Thresholds | Satellite Project Space
March 27, 2024
Congratulations to Philip Gurrey whose PhD thesis exhibition "Thresholds" opens Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Satellite Project Space and is on view until April 6th 2024.
Prof. Sarah Bassnett and Blessy Augustine | Photography and Culture
March 26, 2024
Professor Sarah Bassnett and PhD candidate Blessy Augustine recently guest-edited a special issue of the journal Photography and Culture on 21st-century migration. We are pleased to share the following essays from the special issue...
Ashar Mobeen at EnviroCon 2024
March 25, 2024
PhD Candidate Ashar Mobeen presented his paper titled, “Planting New Worlds: How Astrobiology and Decolonial Theory Can Reshape Sustainable Farming” at EnviroCon 2024 on March 22.
SOGS 38th Annual Western Research Forum
March 18, 2024
PhD Candidate Ashar Mobeen presented a poster on his working thesis, “From Stars We Come, To Stars We Return: Exploring Ancient and Indigenous Cosmic Worldviews” at the SOGS 38th Annual Western Research Forum on Friday, March 15, 2024.
Tia Bates and Danielle Petti: Momentarily Unstuck | Satellite Project Space
March 15, 2024
Congratulations to first-year MFA students, Danielle Petti and Tia Bates whose exhibition 'Momentarily Unstuck' is on view now at Satellite Project Space. Please join the artists in the gallery for the closing reception on March 22 from 5pm - 7pm.
2024 Western Sustainable Impact Fund Success
March 05, 2024
Congratulations to Katie Lawson and Ashar Mobeen, PhD candidates, along with post-doctoral fellow Amanda White from the Department of Visual Arts, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Curating, for securing funding for their projects through the Western Sustainable Impact fund. For more details about each funded project, please visit the Western Sustainability website.
tba journal, PLASTIC, volume launch
March 01, 2024
The editorial team at tba journal is thrilled to launch the 5th peer reviewed volume, PLASTIC, that has been digitally published on their platform at tbajournal.ca
Bruno Belli Crafts an Awesome Personal Project at the Art Gallery of Ontario
By
Lexi Taciak ,Architectural Photography Review , February 09, 2024
"Today we’re taking a little trip to Ontario with architectural photographer Bruno Belli! Bruno has sublimely photographed Frank Gehry’s expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). “I shot these over the course of three days there, trying to get the right light and mood for each of the angles. Some of the interesting challenges were incorporating the vibrant life outside the gallery and having to shoot all of the interiors handheld,” Bruno starts off. Let’s jump on in and see his (very cool) images!"
Tracing Labor Territories | Sur Gallery
February 08, 2024
The artists in the exhibition deconstruct the politicized spaces that lie between territory and labor, outlining the imperial and colonial relationship of the North and the South. Four artists listen and interpret migratory flows between borders, they shift the margins and narratives with various artistic proposals and mediums. From photography to video installation to sound art, the artists Anahí González, María Hoyos, Martín Rodríguez, and Victor Vargas offer counter-narratives and a perspective of the migrant worker who is often marginal, silenced, and exploited, within a settler colonial state that profits of their labor force while making their presence invisible.
DRAFTS 5: DIASPORIC BODIES | Artlab Gallery
January 11, 2024
Curated by Soheila Esfahani & Faseeh Saleem, this exhibition features work by: Anahí González, Anna Lidström, Erika Blomgren and Faseeh Saleem , Jessica Karuhanga, Karin Landahl & Stefanie, Malmgren de Oliveira, Leith Mahkewa, Racquel Rowe, Vidmina Stasiulyte. This exhibition brings together a group of artists from the Department of Visual Arts at Western University, London, Canada, and design researchers from the Body and Space Research Lab at the Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Sweden. Please join us for the closing reception of DRAFTS 5: DIASPORIC BODIES on Thursday, January 25 from 12-2PM in the Cohen Commons. Image: Jessica Karuhanga, Photo Credit: Toni Hafkenscheid, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
bread, butter, tea, soup | Artlab Gallery
January 11, 2024
Presented by The Creative Food Research Collaboratory, 'bread, butter, tea, soup' is a gathering place and a series of food-based artistic interventions presented by the Creative Food Research Collaboratory. In the darkness of winter, before the light begins to return incrementally, we invite all to share in the warmth, comfort and complexity of food; to eat, learn, digest and imagine together. Please join us for a series of artistic activations throughout January. More information about these live events can be found through the link below.
Phillip Gurrey: Enclosures | Birch Contemporary
January 10, 2024
Enclosures is an immersive installation of paintings and wall and floor-based sculpture by PhD candidate Phillip Gurrey. This exhibitions opens with a private viewing at Birch Contemporary on January 18 from 6pm - 8pm.
Masha Kouznetsova: coordinates / sweeping | The End Project Space
January 09, 2024
'coordinates / sweeping' showcases new work by Masha Kouznetsova, current candidate of Western University’s PhD program in the Visual Arts department. Masha Kouznetsova’s multidisciplinary work and writing foreground sonic, visual, and imperceptible signals as modes of searching for grounding and interconnectedness.
External Now at Satellite Project Space
January 09, 2024
Congratulations to MFA candidates Hannah West and Jessica Joyce whose exhibition 'Eternal Now' opens at Satellite Project Space on January 10 and runs through January 20. Please join us at the closing reception on January 20 from 3-5pm. Closing Reception: January 20, 3-5pm
