Inner Space
Meet a new generation of diverse Canadian artists with Inner Space, an original AGO web series where artists give personal tours of their studios.
Image courtesy of Inner Space
Get up close and personal with 12 emerging Canadian artists by tuning in to the AGO’s new original web series, Inner Space. Available at the end of every month, each episode follows a young artist who gives an intimate tour of their studio and a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process. Covering a diverse range of art forms and styles, each artist was co-curated by the Inner Space Youth Advisory and AGO Staff.
Made for youth and by youth, the current iteration of the Youth Advisory is project-based and is made up of members ages 16-25 from across Canada. Advisory members chose artists from their local communities to give a spotlight on their art.
Check out the first three episodes in the series, which aired between January and March 2022.
Meet Kaya Joan, a multidisciplinary Afro (Jamaican/ Vincentian)-Indigenous (Kanien’kehá:ka with relations from Kahnawá:ke) artist from T’karonto (Dish with One Spoon treaty territory). Focused on place-making and storytelling, Black and Indigenous futurisms are a central theme in their artistic practice. Joan frames methods of making as ancestral tools to unpack and transform buried truths.
They were curated by Loïk Raymond (aka Inniminan) of the AGO Youth Advisory who shared with us, “the reason I chose Kaya is that I believe in lifting up Indigenous and Black Queer creators. They practice what they preach and I truly respect that. Also, their art styles are striking and deserve admiration by more people. The celestial aspect that can be found in some of their work reminds me of the connection we all have with each other and the universe. They are an artist that I believe deserves more visibility. Being able to lift someone up from within the Indigenous community fills me with joy."
Meet Marissa Sean Cruz, a digital multimedia and video performance artist from Kjipuktuk (so-called Halifax). Using 3D modelling, sound design and costumed performances, Cruz creates experimental videos that study identity and value systems. Remixes of pop culture and commercialized products are synthesized creating alternative narratives.
They were nominated by Chloe Lundrigan of the AGO Youth Advisory. "I’ve been a fan of Riss since seeing their work presented in Fruit Salad in 2019. The pop culture references are what initially drew me to their work – many elements of their videos take digital conventions from hyper-specific generational sources that are tough to find in contemporary art—everything from that iconic coming of age movie score placement to early YouTube narrative structures. Despite how sophisticated these remixes are, the work somehow balances not taking itself so seriously―through morphing campy details, elaborate product placements, and eerily beautiful body extensions―while not-so-subtly incorporating heavy existentialism. Riss takes the duplicity of what it feels like to be a young adult in this moment and shapes it into a totally uncanny experience: it’s daily and otherworldly and just so much, but crank every element up further – the ennui, the wit, and above all, the vibrancy. "
Meet Yen Linh Thai, a multidisciplinary artist, muralist and illustrator based in Mississauga. Recently expanding her practice to public art, you may have spotted her whimsical illustrations depicting diverse communities and local wildlife around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
She was nominated by Visaree Bradshaw-Coore of the AGO Youth Advisory. “I chose Yen because she’s from Mississauga like me and I thought it was cool that she is doing work locally, like murals, and is active within my community. She doesn’t compromise her art style in fear of it not being accepted. She fills me with security and hope that creating what you love will attract those who are like you, not isolate you further.”
Curious to see who’s next? Visit AGO.ca/innerspace to read profiles on all artists and their curators. Also, see details on upcoming episodes and watch all past videos. Keep up to date with all AGO programming and events by signing up to AGOinsider.
Are you an emerging artist or know someone who is? Check out the upcoming AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Workshop series for advice and tips from professional artists and industry professionals. Click here for details on the first workshop on April 14 about selling art and NFTs.
Keep up to date with all AGO programming and events by signing up to AGOinsider.