SHAWN JOHNSTON
the ghosts in our heads: dream states & the practice of archiving metaphysical snapshots
Curated by Bonnie Devine
PORTRAITS 2025
Online juried slide exhibition with playlist and PDF catalogue
JUROR: BYRON ARMSTRONG
DESIGNER: ELIZA TRENT-RENNICK
Continuing this rich legacy, the John B. Aird Gallery proudly presents PORTRAITS, an online survey exhibition featuring 68 contemporary artists, curated by award-winning arts journalist Byon Armstrong.
This collection opens conversations between traditional and contemporary approaches to portraiture. The exhibition includes an online slideshow with an accompanying playlist and a downloadable publication, designed by emerging curator Eliza Trent-Rennick.
Armstrong’s playlist complements the exhibition, featuring artists like Nat King Cole, The Cure, Little Simz, Fab 5 Freddy, and more, bringing a vibrant soundtrack to the visual experience.
Frances Cordero de Bolaños
COFFEE & PINE
Spirit of the Natural World, Beauty, and Complexities
The John B. Aird Gallery is proud to present the catalog for COFFEE & PINE: Spirit of the Natural World, Beauty, and Complexities, by Salvadoran Canadian artist, Frances Cordero de Bolaños, and curated by Gallery Director, Carla Garnet. This exhibition showcased Central American and northern-hemisphere forests in technicolor, photo-based, still, and moving-image landscapes. Cordero de Bolaños’ ecofeminist works capture the supernatural qualities of both boreal and tropical rainforests, highlighting their role in natural water conservation. The artist addresses human rights and women’s issues about the natural world, reminding us of the interconnectedness of climate issues, migration, and geographical contexts.
STILL LIFE 2025
JUROR: CIAR O’MOHONY
EXTENDED DEADLINE:
Midnight, Sunday, June 29, 2025
For this CALL FOR ENTRY, the Aird is enlisting contemporary artists’ vibrant interpretations of the STILL LIFE genre. All pieces, be they created using paint, mixed media, collage, photography, sculpture, and/or new media that reflect on this art-historical reference and how it appears as a stand-in for nature or an analysis of culture, will be considered. The intent of this call is to bring together a large array of works that encourage a rethinking of the traditionally narrow definition of ‘still life’.
GALLERY HOURS
Wednesday to Friday, 2 to 5 pm
Closed on Statutory Holidays
The gallery relocated to Artscape 906 Queen West in 2019 and will remain at this swing-space until renovations are completed at its original location in the Macdonald Block (at Bay Wellesley) in 2024-25. Your support is greatly appreciated during this exciting transition!
