We’re looking back at the talented artists we featured for our 2021 Artists of the Month. In celebration of the learning and inspiration they shared, we’re including one quote from their story that stood out and made us reflect this year.
Read MoreWhat do you see when you look at one of Jérôme Berthier’s abstract sequential art pieces? The French artist tells us it’s up to the viewer to decide. “[My art] gives form to something that’s formless, that’s buried; the part of ourselves we try to ignore or repress,” says Berthier.
Read MoreNobody tells you explicitly how intimate oppression is; it is not only in the streets or institutionally. It is also while you brush your teeth and right before you go to bed, and when you say a prayer to the deity you question exists. You are not man enough, says the patriarchy as you wash your face. You are nowhere near rich enough for your dreams, says capitalism as you floss. You are not beautiful enough, says white supremacy as you bring yourself into meditation to attempt to chase out the world you will one day transcend.
Read MoreAriane Lapointe invites everyone to her ghost club. The tattoo and print artist has become well-known in Vancouver for her whimsical artistry, especially the kindred ghost tattoos uniquely tailored for each client. The ghosts are everywhere. “People on the street meet each other and spot them. It’s so recognizable,” says Lapointe.
Read MoreWhen you think of Surrealism, what do you picture? Dali’s melting clocks? A pipe that claims it isn’t a pipe? Maybe even a Neo-Dadaist-turned-Millennial-Meme video proclaiming “I’m still a piece of garbage,” as if it were a local television jingle. What you probably aren’t imagining is a middle-aged woman dressed in 19th-century mourning attire. In fact, it’s likely that you’ve never even heard of the acclaimed Canadian photographer Hannah Maynard.
Read MoreWhile juggling these art forms, Jason Bempong spends most of his time focusing on Sleepless Mindz, his art and fashion brand, dance and dance battles, as well as acting. He recently was a part of this year’s Vancouver Mural Festival opening ceremony and was also a part of the encore celebration this past weekend. “I sleep when I can,” Bempong jokes.
Read MoreFilmmaker Nano Clow and musician Factor Eight created a long-form streaming film that degrades over time. Even online, #nothinglastsforever.
Read MoreKayan Hamadeh created this collection of oil paintings as a love letter to happy places and past travels. Hamadeh’s paintings spark a feeling of sweet escape, and serve as a vision board for life post-pandemic.
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