FUTUROLOGIST

Dustin Wilson

///January 13th - February 24th, 2012

Dustin Wilson (Toronto, ON) has developed a multidisciplinary approach, producing animation, performance and multiples with a focus on contemporary narrative drawing. Wilson's practice is based firmly in the processes of experimentation and research and is executed through the use of series, repetition and text. This exhibition takes a speculative approach in looking at the future of his home province of New Brunswick as a microcosm, dissecting issues of rural identity in the current era of rapid social, economic and physical change. He draws a line from the unfortunate outcomes that result from short-term, reactionary thinking and connects this with the current global issues of climate change, migration and mass extinction which humanity will inevitably be forced to contend with. He employs intentional future anachronism, combining sophisticated antigravity and advanced genetic engineering technologies within a culturally atavistic frame of reference.

As part of the exhibition, the artist will deliver a performative lecture, assuming the role of a “futurologist” presenting his findings to the public. Wilson’s work speaks to the ways we all imagine the future, rightly or wrongly.

Opening 2012 with this exhibition amidst all of the wild speculation surrounding what may or may not happen in the course of the year contends with the potential for hubris and disappointment wrapped up in the current cultural climate.

GAME ON

Liz Pead and Roch Smith

///March 3rd to April 21, 2012

Pead and Smith use reclaimed sporting equipment to address notions of how national, local and personal identities are constructed through sports. Liz Pead reconfigures used hockey gear into elaborate relief constructions that reference significant landmarks in Canadian Art (specifically the Group of Seven). Heavily laden with Canadiana as her work is, the viewer is drawn into reflections on how our collective imaginations are shaped by a shared identification with the “national pastime” (sometimes literally, through her association of art legend Tom Thompson with hockey legend Bill Bariko, both “famous Canadians swallowed up by the landscape” to never be seen again). Conversely, Smith renders sporting goods as models of weapons of war. His work draws a poignant link between support for sports teams and support for our troops. Smith’s work cleverly blurs lines between sport, nationalism, and real or symbolic conflicts. He is interested in how games are theorized as a means of playing out proxy warfare without bloodshed (Canada / Russia in 1972, or the 2004 and 2010 Olympic gold medal wins over the USA speak to this idea).

More of Liz Pead's work can be seen here.

AKA's Valentine Cards are now available!

As the limited edition Christmas Artist Cards were such a success, we've commissioned a number of aritsts to make limited edition, unique Valentine Cards that you can purchase for yourself or to give to others. Featured artists are : Jon Vaughn, Bart Gazzola, Zachari Logan, David LaRiviere, Evgenia Mikhaylova, and Joanne Lyons (her image, above, is titled Wistful by the Pond).

You can see all the cards here.

Get them now before they're gone, and support AKA gallery while giving a unique and beautiful Valentine's card.

And always keep in mind that SHIPPING IS FREE on any and all Valentine Cards.