If you've been following this blog, you know that I go to a lot of art events. I often find out about them via social media. I already had plans to be in Toronto on October 12th and 13th for a arts administration workshop, so when I saw that artist and photographer Briony Douglas's art opening at Only One Gallery was on the night of the 12th, I decided to maximize my time in the city. I've been to the gallery a few times before and I really like the space.
MOUTH PIECE was Douglas's first art show and was described as:
An art show where all your fantasies explode in one room.
A macro glance of how one small body part can be sexual, emotive and controversial. Mouth Piece isn't just a series of mouth shots, it's a look into the power and beauty of something human. The collages bring to you a dream like experience, making you feel as if you are walking through fantasia with a sexual vintage feel.
This is not your ordinary art show, combining the work and interactive experiences, mouthpiece will make you the art.
Douglas teamed up with Only One Gallery and Art + Industry for the event, as well as with Toronto based artist, Dina Roudman who was there live painting.
Art censorship, especially on social media platforms is an ongoing battle for artists and creative professionals who choose to show their work there. Take a quick look at the #CensorshipSucks and #FreeTheNipple hashtags on Instagram, or at artists that have been banned from platforms and are now looking at new ways to show their art uncensored. I liked the idea of focusing on one small part of the body and making it controversial. It was striking to walk into a room with pictures of mouths on the wall. Mouths are often considered as sexual, but you'll rarely see them censored in art, unlike nipples, or genitals. When mouths are censored or covered in art, it's usually to make a statement or to indicate that someone is being silenced.
Here are some shots from the opening night.
Hey it's me. I was an early bird. This was taken before the room really filled up.
Live painting. Work in progress.
It was a successful first show and I'm sure it won't be her last. If you had a chance to check out the show, I'd love to hear about your favourite pieces.
If you liked this post, please like, comment, and share.
Article and photos by Glodeane Brown (photo of me in the gallery taken from Facebook event page).