Second-year MFA, Laura Hudspith‘s tableau vivant “On The Table” (2017) is currently on exhibition with The Portrait Gallery of Canada. “In Keeping with Myself,” curated by Darren Pottie, brings together the work of nineteen artists from across Canada and is on view August 19, 2021 through January 2022. By using self-portraiture as a means of reconciling deeply personal challenges, the artists explore the internal self and the physical self within the context and constraints of the human, natural and virtual worlds. The artworks include digital and film photography, video, collage, sculpture, mixed media, installation, projection, beadwork, textiles, journal entries, interviews, collaborations, and a 3D rendering.
“This exhibition is in keeping with our own vision for the Portrait Gallery of Canada,” said Joanne Charette, Director, Portrait Gallery of Canada. “Our goal is to engage Canadians in the conversations of the day through portraiture. These artists are doing exactly that. Through their powerful work, they are addressing important issues such as illness, ageing and death; colonialism, diversity, culture and language; gender transitions; the environment; and the sense of self in the virtual world. We thank Darren Pottie for sharing his project with us, and the artists for their enthusiastic participation. We are proud to showcase these strong portraits.”