The Art of Conversation

THE ART OF CONVERSATION 

September 23, 2023 - February 29, 2024 

Curated by Janet Wang and Amelia Epp 

Sharing language is the foundation of society, whether this be visual, written or spoken. The ability to communicate with each other is a fundamental aspect of our humanity. The art of intimate, social conversation is fostered by a connection to materials and the creative relationships we build with people, other creatures, and the world around us. This exhibition provides a space for these conversations to occur through educational workshops, community programs, and ongoing exchanges. 

Digital engagement impacts our communication with others as well as our representations of our self and our identities. Like the feeds we scroll every day, our reactions to artistic works can be filtered by subject, material, and composition. Forms of digital communication are playfully used to frame thematic sections within the exhibition. These themes include translation, socials, messages, reels, chat, and filters.  

The works of contemporary Canadian artists Manuel Axel Strain, Lexy Ho-Tai, Karin Jones, Parvin Peivandi and Clare Yow are shown alongside artists from the Artists for Kids’ Permanent Collection. The perspectives of elementary and secondary students from across the Lower Mainland are featured through their written and artistic responses to works in the exhibition. By drawing conversational threads between the works in the gallery, this exhibition highlights art’s potential to facilitate and provoke dialogue. We invite you to be part of this conversation and to create your own response to the artwork featured in the exhibition.