CURRENT EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
The James Black Gallery exhibits work in many mediums and forms. The space has a combination of elements that allow artists to be playful with the design and the usage of the space. We currently host indoor/outdoor workshops that are organized by community members, production rentals, and exhibitions.
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bahay na babalik-balikan (a home to always return to)
June 10th-14th, 2023
opening June 10th 5-7PM
Milan Franco Orosco, Milo Canlas, Sherine Menes, and jas calcitas
“bahay na babalik-balikan” is a series of pieces curated by jas calcitas and created by Sherine Menes, Milo Canlas, and Milan Franco Orosco. The title, meaning “a home to always return to” in English, explores different ways and paths to confront the collective history of 2SLGBTQIA+ Filipinx people and merge it with the present day issues and harm done to our communities on the homeland and in the diaspora.
The creation of all of these pieces have come from our own memories, stories, and experiences as Queer and Trans Filipinx artists in the diaspora but all of them have been made and developed collectively within the community. They share intimacy and flow with each other as we delve into the ways that we have created our own definitions of home that may not be a physical place to return to. As we hold our exhibition days, we will be focused on sharing intimate moments of our installation within our communities.
Hot Fruit Figure Drawing Series
Next Sessions:
May 27th, 2023 2-4PM
June 10th 2023 2-4PM
Hot Fruit Figure Drawing centers QTBIPOC models and artists.We want our sessions to allow for the full spectrum of intersectional identities. Sessions can range from classical nude figure drawings to fashion forward, where the model is free to express themselves through a lQqk. We are creating a space where models are free to center not only the figure, but their energy and personal expression. These sessions are led by previous studiomate Odera Igbokwe and developed in collaboration with Mango Sweet Tasty Beats.
Sessions are in-person but for accessibility sake will also include a Zoom component. Online Zoom participants are required to have their cameras on during the session, and are not allowed to record or take screenshots of any parts of the session.
Queer Arts Festival Community Show
Mon Jun 19 – Sat Jul 8
Exhibition open Wed thru Sat, 12 – 6pm
Opening Reception: Mon Jun 19, 7pm
Long regarded as the bedrock of the Queer Arts Festival, the Pride in Art Community Show honours the legacy of founder, activist, and Two-Spirit artist, Robbie Hong. Each year, QAF opens submissions to artists of all skills levels to submit their work, preferably centred around the festival theme. For the second year running, QAF has teamed up with queer partner-in-crime, The James Black Gallery, to showcase the otherworldly artwork of our local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
PAST EVENTS 2023
SHELTER COST
January 5th - 7th, 2023
Pod Residency Exhibition: Atiron, Jasmine Gerevas, & Michelle Lavoie
"Shelter cost" highlights the current status of housing in "vancouver" showing the ever worsening living conditions for intersected folks using dioramas and other visual media. We have all experienced housing struggles to varying degrees, despite our different social statuses and upbringings. Our housing struggles have brought us together. Every separate piece is reflective of a barrier we have faced while seeking a home. We tried to use as many found and recycled materials as possible. We hope to create a dialogue and maybe spark new ideas for the future of housing.
HOME
Saturday January 21st, 2022 8PM-12AM
SAD MAG's 34th edition themed home will be having its launch party at the JBG as it's a fitting venue. Open to all free to enter. elsa dood dj will be spininng for us while we have bevvys in red solo cups, jello shots, and flip through the mag.
DissFunction of FUNKtion
March 2nd-5th, 2023
opening reception March 2nd 7:00pm
drop by March 3-5th 3:00-6:00pm
or by appointment via email & DM
This immersive, multidisciplinary exhibition features the collaborative works of five emerging interdisciplinary artists: Ayesha Beg, Kaila Bhullar, Conor Day, Marwah Jaffar, and Carson Keller. The work includes projection-based installation, sculpture, dance, and sound art. Inspired by explorations of the relationship between the body, mind, and presence of technology, the artists created a perceptually-stimulating atmosphere that walks viewers through an abstract representation of their collective inner reflections. Various technological mediums and sensory components aid in the generation of a critical space that raises questions about the unknown and individual positioning.
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Located on the unceded and ancestral territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and which has been stewarded by them since time immemorial.
This event is brought to you by the pod residency series at the JBG with support from @cityofvancouver & @bcartscouncil
Obsidian Tapes Vol. 4
January 14th 2022 - 10PM - LATE
a night of enigmatic music featuring live performances and DJ sets from Black Acid, Fifth of Lawrence, Kairo, Siadic, and Sumwun. These artists will guide you through a range of genres including dubstep, two step, downtempo, and drum and bass. For those who embrace the darkness and crave a unique musical experience, don't miss out on this chance to enter the shadows and discover what lies within.
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Featuring sets from:
Fifth of Lawrence (Live PA)
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$20 PRESALE / $25 DOOR
E-TRANSFER: OBSIDIANYVR@GMAIL.COM
Standards of the event include safety, moderation, consent & inclusivity. Feel free to message Obsidian with any questions, concerns or accessibility information.
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5th Annual General Meeting
March 13th, 2023 630PM
The James Black Gallery invites all members and interested community to our third annual general meeting. We'll be appointing new board members, discussing the budget, and voting on any new changes to our structure.
Shapeshifters
April 1st, 2023 630PM
Romi Kim (they/them) Kendell Yan (she/they) Chris Reed (they/them)
Come see the in progress works of the three week residency of Kendell Yan, Chris Reed, and Romi Kim, who explore the intersections of queer monsters inspired by myths and stories from their cultures. A common thread woven through Chinese, Cree, and Korean folklore is the notion of shapeshifters, fictional beings that can transform themselves from one physical form into another.
Please Hold ----
April 27th, 2023 6PM opening
April 27-30th, 2023
Clara Conrado (she/her), Linda Serrano (he/him), Sam Street (she/her), Alisa Tarabrina (they/them)
A group art show showcasing collective and individual poetic explorations of glass, spring, motors, memory, glitter, sight, and venom, as objects of care, honesty, and
transference. The exhibition features several mixed media tapestries, installations, and projections combining found and documentary materials.