PAST EVENTS, 2017
Residents of the James Black Gallery host and curate exhibitions of work in many mediums and forms. The space has a combination of elements that allow artists to be playful with the design and usage of the space.
Dark Matter
October 25 - November 4, 2017
Yes, we're open
November 23 - 30, 2017
DARK MATTER|| Nebula Company Theatre takes over the James Black Gallery with creatures from other dimensions. There is a house in the city where several sensory "abnormalities" have been recorded. Rumour has it several people living in the house have disappeared without a trace- as if swallowed by a black hole. You are invited to participate in a psychological study to "experience" the house and observe for yourself the phenomena within. We assure you it is safe. And there is a scientific explanation for everything...
YES, WE'RE OPEN|| In Yes, we’re open, Vandekraats and Johnstone are evaluating guidance through the forms of ephemeral performative works and archived disruptions. Smoke off the incense drifts, water reshaping a surface, wax melting around the wick. Incidents that outset change and activate a kind of (de)composition, providing a disruption of artificiality; an exchange opens to new growth. Time ticks past as the forms shift, dissolving their borders into the space between.
Databending Workshop August 12th, 2017
2-430PM
DATABENDING WORKSHOP ||Yebu Tonu presents sonification databending used by glitch artists, and many other digital artists, to aestheticize distortions using sound-based processes. This event will be split into three sequential parts: a short talk on databending with a focus on sonification; an interactive workshop for beginners on sonification databending; and an interactive workshop for intermediate digital artists, featuring extended sonification databending techniques and production. | The event is $10 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away.
Future Bodies
September 8 & 9, 2017
FUTURE BODIES|| The James Black Gallery is proud to present studiomate Marissa Diamond's first solo show which investigates new ways of viewing the body by dismantling conventional beauty standards. In her paintings and ceramic sculptures, Diamond utilizes crochet and collage; techniques that have a history of being dismissed due to their classification as feminine and as craft. She intentionally uses these ‘low art’ techniques to create tactile surfaces resembling characteristics of the body that are often perceived as undesirable and unattractive.
Dreamland Fantasy
July 22nd, 2017
7PM
The Game of Fame
August 13 & 14th, 2017
5-8PM
DREAMLAND FANTASY || Starchild Stela’s Dreamland Fantasy is a multidisciplinary sensorial experience that invite the viewer to make themselves at home and feel nostalgic, in a sweet, ethereal kind of way. Building on delightful memories & instance of childhood traumas, Dreamland Fantasy is a whimsical bedroom where healing and nostalgia collide into daydreams. 7PM
THE GAME OF FAME||August Guest Resident Ruby Gloom from Hong Kong explores fame. With the never-stop roaming of the Internet, ever-changing information on social medias, technology has been affecting the “cyber world” which leads to changes in self-identity. Being famous online is quick and easy, it is the fastest way to draw yourself attention that you could never enjoy in real life. What is it like to be famous online? What is it like to be recognised by strangers everyday in your life? What is it like to live like a famous person?
How to win the game? Come join and you will find out!
ART WASTE
June 1st-3rd, 2017
ART WASTE|| The James Black Gallery hosts PLANTASIA. Ocean depths, deep growth forests, luscious oases, alien landscapes, fibrous neural pathways connecting mushroom to oak. Are we stewards to the trees, or are we the ones who’ve been domesticated for food? Explore the natural world, real, imaginary or magical. Opening on June 3rd.
Battle Your Demons in Dreamspace/ concert with Linda Foxx
June 29th, 2017
Battle Your Demons in Dreamspace/ concert with Linda Foxx|| Guest Resident Layla Mrozowski showcases her alterego with collaborator David as they create a performative installation involving instruments and machines.
GLITCH WITCH
May 19th, 2017
ROVE YVR - JBG
May 26th, 2017
GLITCH WITCH || An interdisciplinary event curated by Miki Aurora. Local experiences created by Miki Aurora in the past include DYSTOPIA DREAMING, or C+NVERG=NC- , prepare to re-enter that hybrid dimension between the spirit realm and the cybersphere.
Rhythms of Time
April 27th-29th, 2017
Rhythms of Time ||Guest resident Valentina Belegisanin presents a sculptural installation that explores the effect of a cyclical process of creation, feminine energy, change, development, and a revival. Pointing out the "phenomena of shrinking time" and its intangible procession. Open 27-28th 5-8 PM. Closing reception 29th from 2-5 PM.
Cabinet of Curiosities
April 8th -10th, 2017
Cabinet of Curiosities ||Rain City Illustration presents students and alumni works from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Some of the featured artists include Kait Rogers, Chelsea O'Byrne, Kim Parker, Jesse Coons, and Rosalie Weeks.
Pray it No Mind
March 16th & 17th, 2017
Pray it No Mind ||Guest resident Coco Spadoni combines their history of Catholicism and queerness in expressing the identity and support of the queer. Coco Spadoni hails from Seattle and will be installing a two day pop up show.
⌯⌯Obsidian Tapes⌯⌯
May 13th, 2017
⌯⌯Obsidian Tapes⌯⌯||A deep ended evening of experimental sound, shedding winter’s gloom to make way for summer’s growth. The main room features the Ninth Node 360° degree sound system in which two live sets utilizing the 360° functions will be played, as well as split screen visuals. Starts at 9PM
Capture Photography
Festival
April 22nd & 23rd, 2017
Capture Photography Festival ||The 1st Annual Vancouver Photo Book Fair 2017 is presented by Capture Photography Festival in partnership with the Vancouver Art Book Fair and Western Front. Workshops and talks will be held at The James Black Gallery. April 22nd talks between 12-5 PM. Workshop 10AM-2PM on April 23rd.
The Eclectic Closet Show
March 31st, 2017
The Eclectic Closet Show ||Indulge in an evening of art, music, and dance in our cozy space. The event will feature new dance works by Brie-ana Laboucane, Isabella Jade, and Ayesha Durrani. Topped off with the sweet sounds of Scoutskey, Everlynx, and Glyde this will be an evening to treasure. Hosted by Artist in resident Maddi Dewalt.
FORWARD:MARCH
March 4th, 2017
FORWARD:MARCH || Brent Black and Katlin Moore showcase recent drawings and paintings. One day pop up event between 2-10 PM
This Disposition
January 29th, 2017
This Disposition: A Performative Experiment || Artist-In-Residence, Zorya Arrow (MB) on Sunday, January 29th, 2017 at 2pm.
On October 29th, 2016 Zorya presented solo performance based research around the mind-body connection within personal relationships. That same evening her partner passed away. This work is about sharing process, grief, and change on the day marking exactly three months of hard, tough living.