VANESSA MCKERNAN: THE ART OF WANDERING

A few weeks ago, I discovered the work of Vanessa McKernan. There was something about the dreamlike quality of her paintings that immediately stayed with me.

Originally from Toronto and now based in the Ottawa Valley, Vanessa creates intuitive works that weave together themes of memory, motherhood, and the complexities of the feminine psyche.

I was able to visit Abbozzo Gallery to see the exhibition in person and had the chance to ask Vanessa a few questions about her process and the recurring themes that appear throughout her work.

INSIDE THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN TORONTO ARTIST HAYLEY AXELRAD AND LEGENDARY DESIGNER MANOLO BLAHNIK

Photo courtesy of Hayley Axelrad c/o Manolo Blahnik

If I were a character in a painting looking to have fun, I'd like to hang out in a piece by Hayley Axelrad.

Axelrad's world is as colourful as glamorous, with a pinch of humour, which is why I was thrilled to find out of Hayley's recent collaboration with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. 

In fact, I was so happy about this I had to hop on a call with Hayley to know more about how this collaboration came to be. It's always great to see Toronto artists making waves internationally.

Watch our conversation on YouTube.
Transcript available below.
___

LAUREN DELA ROCHE: NO MAN'S LAND

 

I recently talked about Lauren Dela Roche on Instagram, so I thought of sharing something here, too

A few things on my mind:

Women are the central character in these works, but… Is it the same character becoming different versions of herself? Is it a magical community of women? Maybe it’s both? It doesn’t really matter.

As the title of Lauren’s first solo show suggests: this is “No Man’s Land”. And it’s magical, sensual, colourful, comfortable, whimsical and fun.

__

Images: Lauren Dela Roche
Ig: @lauren_dela_roche

PACITA ABAD - FIRST RETROSPECTIVE NOW AT THE AGO

The work of the late Philippine-born artist Pacita Abad is making its Canadian debut at the Art Gallery of Ontario as part of her first retrospective.

 

STUDIES ON CHEWED BUBBLE GUM, FRUITS AND MUNDANE OBJECTS

How cool are these studies! I came across the feed of NYC based photographer/director/artist Susanne Saroff and I couldn't stop scrolling! They're a bit quirky, colourful, and just fun!

Original post here.

A few of my favourites: figs | cherrys | lipstick smudges

MEREDITH WOOLNOUGH: STITCHED LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF

 

This stitched letter by artist Meredith Woolnough made me smile and gasp at the same time!

"A stitched letter to ‘my future self’. A fun freehand machine embroidery activity to do on water soluble fabric. I especially love how the text becomes unreadable when the base fabric is washed away." 

See the original post here. 

A ski resort with art installations by James Turrell and Jenny Holzer is set to open in 2026

 

“Relay (Powder Mountain),” 2023, by Gerard & Kelly.Credit...Drew Rane/Carlson, via Powder Mountain

The New York Times just shared an article about a new lineup of art installations that will be part of Powder Mountain, a popular ski destination in Utah.

This ambitious outdoor art program was conceived by Netflix co-founder and former CEO Reed Hastings (who bought the ski resort in 2023) and it's scheduled to open to the public in 2026.

Some of the artists involved are: James Turrell, Nancy Holt, Jenny Holzer, EJ Hill, Arthur Jafa, Nikita Gale, Gala Porras-Kim, Raven Halfmoon, and additional artists are expected to be announced in the coming months.

According to the site, access will be free and open to the public for hiking and biking during summer and fall months, and skiable with a season pass or lift ticket during the winter.


Read more at: Powder Art Foundation

PASSAGES INSOLITES: A FESTIVAL OF PUBLIC ART IN THE HEART OF QUEBEC

Felice Varini (Switzerland/France)

My dad is visiting me in Canada and so, as part of the quintessential tour, we decided to make a quick trip to Quebec City.

We started walking late in the evening and only after we took the first round of photos we noticed a series of buildings-with-googly-eyes that kept making guest appearances in the background. 

Pierre&Marie (Quebec)

NICE AUNTIES: LIVING A DREAM LIFE THANKS TO A.I.

Prompt: Open call by @jupiterfong to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

From wearing fabulous outfits to beach parties to having high-fashion photo shoots next to oversized produce, this group of senior women is living an unconventional life. But they only exist thanks to AI. 

Scrolling through the @niceaunties Instagram feed is as puzzling as familiar. The account serves as a sort of photo album in which we follow their intergalactic adventures as well as some mundane moments like cooking with mysterious foods that only exist in their alternate universe or morning meditations in sequined outfits. (Are there mornings in the Hyperspace?)