IS THIS A PROTEST? - theHumm April 2024

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

You bet it is! And it’s the first arts protest theHumm has covered in our 24 years of existence. This creative arts protest is the inspiration of two residents of the new Artisan Village in Smiths Falls. Those of you who read the feature article in our October 2023 issue will not be surprised to learn that Bel Angeles is one instigator. Opal Adams is the other. Both of these small, non-white female artists continue to struggle against and overcome significant barriers and prejudices throughout their lives. Both are eager to provide opportunities for other artists to experience the satisfaction and empowerment that comes from raising your artistic voice in protest.

In their call to artists, Bel and Opal voiced their belief in the power of art to transform society and bring about change. Their raison d’être for this protest exhibition is to give artists “an opportunity to use your unique voices to challenge perceptions, provoke thoughts, and ignite discussions about some of the most pressing issues of our time. From climate change, gender, race, and ethnicity, to power, anti-hate and anti-oppression, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we want you to delve deep and share your interpretations, reflections and narratives on the idea of protest. Let your creativity be a tool for inquiry, a voice for the voiceless, and a platform for change. Your art has the power to educate, heal, and inspire. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference.”

Fear not, prospective viewer. This is Canadian art, and the raw carnage of Picasso’s anti-war classic Guernica is nowhere in sight. The fifteen participants come from radically different life experiences, and their creative protests are nuanced and provocative. A few are gently contemplative, and they succeed as well in inviting reflection and emotional connection.

The exhibition includes two spoken word artists. One is singer/songwriter Christine Graves performing Sparrow Parable, a piece she wrote in support of activists struggling for justice throughout the world. The other is Chris Silvermoon presenting a spoken piece of confessional poetry, based on her own experience of living with visible and invisible disabilities. Chris is a longtime activist working to improve the lives of all women and children.

The artworks are as varied as their creators. The only male participant, Steve Rothfuchs, is a member of Arts Carleton Place. One work is titled Paraphrase Joe: We are anti-fascist…anti-violence…anti-racist…pro-creative…against ignorance. The title pays tribute to punk rock musician Joe Strummer of the Clash. His other piece protests the atrocity of child soldiers.

In a 180° shift of focus, Julia Lockie’s artwork is titled Just Breathe. In her submission she relates to many of us as she questions, “What business do I, a white, educated, privileged and comfortable Canadian woman, have protesting about my world? Why would anyone care what I have to say about anything of import?” Her mixed media work expresses her need for respite from a world filled with noise, dealing with the influence of the Internet and social media, while caring deeply about things beyond her “safe little life”.

Another member of Artisan Village, Carol Richardson, is displaying a mixed media piece titled Peacenik. Her abstract work uses archival materials and incorporates images to protest the ongoing wars and loss of lives in four different countries. Richardson’s previous work and experience in the domains of housing and homelessness, environment and climate justice, as well as health promotion, support her deeply abiding belief in community and the need for structural change.

Kingston fibre artist Denise Sokolsky presents a subdued but eloquently powerful testament to the Black Lives Matter movement that she created shortly after the murder of George Floyd. She describes her piece as: “…historic in nature as it references the multitude of black lives, generation upon generation, who toiled in the cotton fields for the benefit of white owners… What has changed since these brutal, historic times? How far have we progressed towards racial equality?”

Co-organizer Bel Angeles’ works are a call to awareness and empathy. The back of her new recto-verso piece displays the names of more than 2,300 journalists killed and missing in the line of duty since 1992. It was inspired by the current targeted killing of journalists covering Gaza, and her personal knowledge of journalists killed in her native Philippines as well — one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Bel knows that as journalists are killed, so the stories of the people and communities they cover are silenced, hidden, made invisible. This is her protest.

Co-organizer Opal Adams stopped painting for eight years as a result of trauma from systemic belittlement and prejudice experienced in her work life. Fortunately, her husband’s involvement with the recent creation of the Artisan Village facility, coupled with her burgeoning friendships with an enclave of supportive artists, have seduced her into resuming her former successful arts career. Her piece is a powerful and personal protest on behalf of all women against the sexism and racism she has experienced.

Jana Jaros describes her work as the “personal expression of breaking barriers and visually voicing a suppressed narrative”. She uses her art to “confront taboos and societal norms, rejecting silencing and embracing truths that define identity in the present and shape the future.”

Genevieve LeDuc is passionate about female empowerment. In her mixed media work titled Salem, referencing the Massachusetts witch trials of 1692-93, she protests ongoing gender inequity, censorship, and misogyny’s enduring legacy, merging art with social commentary to provoke dialogue and to advocate for change.

Cecilia Troy’s piece confronts the rise of extreme right-wing ideology that threatens basic rights in Canada today. Imagine portrays a rough exterior breaking to reveal the vibrant Pride flag, “envisioning a world free from judgment where authenticity thrives and oppressive regimes fall. It’s a call to imagine a society where hiding behind layers is unnecessary and true freedom reigns.”

Crafting beauty from damage, MaGi’s assemblage art confronts the chaos, reminding us that control is fleeting and imperfections make us human. One recycled piece at a time, she crafts beauty from damage, protesting against loss and accepting change.

Through quilt-making, Katy van Dorsser sews together stories of reclaiming spaces and being heard. Living with a traumatic brain injury for over six years, quilt-making became her healing sanctuary — each stitch representing victory over adversity.

With her textile piece titled You Do Not Represent Me, Karla Mather-Cocks of Alberta challenges the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents. Her piece serves as a physical manifestation of the artist’s frustration with their provincial MLA, highlighting concerns about racist and inappropriate views.

Now living in Smiths Falls, Aryn Morris was an early activist in Michigan, challenging the unjust laws that resulted from the legalization of medical cannabis. After entering the cannabis industry, she traveled with American magazine High Times and advocated for pediatric patients’ access to CBD. Her Prohibited Flower artwork is a tribute to the progress made through protest and the transformative power of cannabis.

When I asked organizer Opal Adams about her aspirations for this compelling Protest Exhibition, she left me with this exhortation to pass on to our readers: “If you don’t understand why people want to protest, you definitely need to come to this show.”

Is This A Protest? runs from April 13 to May 18, Wed–Sun from 11am to 4pm at Artisan Village in Smiths Falls, with a vernissage on April 13 from 5–8pm. The Artist Trading Card at the top of the page lists exhibitors and provides coordinates.

Artist Trading Card

WHO Opal Adams, Bel Angeles, MaGi, Christine Graves, Jana F. Jaros, Genevieve LeDuc, Julia Lockie, Karla Mather-Cocks, Aryn Morris, Carol Richardson, Steve Rothfuchs, Chris Silvermoon, Denise Sokolsky, Cecilia Troy, Katy van Dorsser

WHAT Is This A Protest? Art Exhibition by 15 inspirational and challenging artists

WHERE Artisan Village, 10 Maple Ave N, Smiths Falls, artisanvillagesmithsfalls.com

WHEN April 13 to May 18, Wed–Sun, 11am to 4pm,Vernissage Apr. 13, 5–8pm

WHY To challenge perceptions, provoke thoughts, ignite discussions and empower artists to be a catalyst for change.