PAST EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Perspectives From Within

Perspectives From Within was a group exhibition featuring visual artwork critically engaging with mental health.

All artworks are based on lived experience of mental illness, with six artists bringing compelling insight into the highs and lows of their circumstances. Depression, anxiety, addiction, self-harm, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia underpin artworks revealing enhanced personal self-reflection, supporting individual and collective mental wellbeing for audiences and producers alike.

Many artists face struggles in their lives but not all take the step of producing work that actively portrays their inner realities, to their peers, in an external manner. As such, Perspectives From Within is both a literal and metaphorical undertaking, for which the artworks and public programs stand as not just a dynamic process of reflection but a reminder that we are not alone. This approach aligns with the activities of exhibition producers SITE c PROJECTS and OBAD, including free, weekly, peer support groups in the Calgary community for anyone, including family members, who may be impacted by mood disorders.

Curated by Dick Averns, and produced by Kaj Koravla, OBAD Executive Director and Anthony Preston, SITEc Founder, Perspectives From Within features video, painting, textiles, film, sculpture and photography. Artworks are installed to create an immersive installation, using light and form to produce an emotive, labyrinthine experience. The interweaving of artists’ works is indicative of the fact that mental illness can be lonely, but a shared vision for mental health can engage audiences to make a positive impact on the way community wellness is addressed in our world.

Join artist Brad Necyk for a screening of his autobiographical film Alberta #3, and learn more about his artwork and research spanning psychiatry and art. This event will be of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about how mental health is impacted by mood disorders, particularly Bipolar Affective Disorders, and how art can give a better understanding of these conditions. 

The evening will be hosted by curator Dick Averns, commencing with an overview to the artworks in Perspectives From Within, and concluding with a question and answer session that includes a representative from the Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders. All persons are welcome including those seeking help, family members, artists and anyone practising in related fields.

This easy-to-understand fibre workshop facilitated by artists Richard Boulet and Marilyn Olson, focusses on a playful and stress-free attitude to material exploration. Participants receive a variety of easy-to-handle fibre-related materials and are guided on creating their own artwork. Once you’ve registered you can decide on your time of arrival, and how long you wish to stay.

Participants can also bring their own materials to use themselves and/or share. Think of ribbons and bows, buttons and beads, a favourite scrap of fabric, a sentimental small object, a rather eccentric looking yarn or two: the list is endless. The word “concoction” comes to mind: and let us not forget the word “joy”. Isn’t the fibre universe wonderful!

Isn’t the Fibre Universe Wonderful! is produced SITEc PROJECTS the creative arm of OBAD (Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders). Also in attendance at the workshop will be OBAD Executive Director Kaj Korvela, SITE c PROJECTS founder Anthony Preston, and curator Dick Averns. 

Workshop participants are welcome to bring their own snacks, food and beverages: there is no food or drink vending on site. This is an in-person program. Masks are mandatory encouraged and will be made available at our welcome desk. Physical distancing will be maintained in seating arrangements, and Contemporary Calgary will maintain a vigorous cleaning schedule. 

Richard Boulet and Marilyn Olson are exhibiting work in the Perspectives From Within exhibition at Contemporary Calgary. 

Richard Boulet

I was born in Alberta and moved to Winnipeg to study architecture and then art. Through my drawing and fibre practice I address issues of marginalization, specifically mental health and concerns relating to LGBTQ+ communities.  

The completion of graduate studies resulted in exhibiting my fibre art nationally, and I have been fortunate to have worked a wide range of jobs in the arts. Many years ago I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and since then have adopted artistic strategies that embrace mental health.

I am doing well these days, and both Marilyn and I feel it is important to disclose that we live with mental illness. Collaboration helps reduce stigma and allows for new pathways to making art.

Marilyn Olson

Most of my life has been spent in the Edmonton area, although I lived in Calgary for twelve years when I began my accounting career. I also have experience in the garment industry but making art is new to me. 

In 2017 I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and a few other disorders. I have been struggling with my mental wellness since my late teens.

Richard and I have been working together since May 2019 and I am now finding my voice as an artist as I realize how my craft becomes art.

iPhone Gallery