STILL LIFE 2026
Juried Featured Artists
Juror/Curator: Ciar O’Mahony
This year’s Still Life catalogue, presented by the Aird Gallery, brings together a diverse range of contemporary artists whose work continues and expands this tradition, making a bold statement about the evolving character of Canada’s contemporary art scene. Featuring a Foreword by Arnie Guha, Executive Chair of the John B. Aird Gallery, and reflections from artist-curator Ciara O’Mahony, the catalogue moves from dramatic studies of light and shadow to botanical subjects, quiet observations of everyday life, and experimental works that challenge traditional approaches to the genre.
Together, these works demonstrate that still life remains a vibrant and evolving art form, one that invites us to look more closely at the objects, environments, and experiences that shape our lives. Through themes of memory, identity, beauty, labour, mortality, and the often-overlooked details of daily life, these artists show how an enduring genre can continue to reflect the complexity of contemporary Canadian experience.
Who is Your Self-ie
Juried Group Photography Exhibition
ONLINE EXHIBITION: MAY 16, 2026
The John B. Aird Gallery is thrilled to present Who is Your Self-ie?, this year’s juried group exhibition as part of the CONTACT Photography Festival. Through alternative and digital processes of dismantling and reconstruction, the artists turned the lens inward, exploring the breadth of human identity and expression. We invite you to join us in celebrating a photo-based introspective look at the self-ie.
Congratulations to all participating artists, and heartfelt thanks to our supporters, Downtown Camera.
A milestone worth celebrating!
The John B. Aird Gallery is proud to share that works first exhibited at the Aird have been acquired by the Government of Ontario Art Collection, stewarded by the Archives of Ontario.
Works by Arnie Guha, Robert Houle, Shawn Johnston, Ilene Sova, and Natalie Wood have been added to the collection, marking a meaningful recognition of both the artists and the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to presenting significant contemporary art in Ontario.
On behalf of the Aird Board and our partner societies, we warmly congratulate the artists on this important milestone.
