Artists from a variety of disciplines will come together February 22nd to 25th, 2018 to showcase their work at the 11th instalment of the Artist Project – a contemporary art fair hosted in Toronto at the Better Living Centre. This year’s event will take collectors and curators, gallerists and designers #BehindTheArt for an intimate ‘shoppable’ experience, connecting them with over 250 curated Canadian and International artists. In addition, visitors will enjoy interactive installations, live performances, artist competitions and engaging talks on the industry’s hot topics.
The four-day show commences with a ticketed, Opening Night Party celebrating the diverse world of art, and will feature music by Matthew Romeo and Flavia Abadia. As guests enter, they will be welcomed by an illuminative installation from Nathalie Sanche. SHINE ON will feature carefully manipulated paper shapes that resemble a chrysalis or a shell or a trumpet, arranged in large, eye-catching sculptures. The reflective aluminum sculptures are pure form – light, white and ephemeral – but at the same time, possess a density and a fluidity that will catch the viewer by surprise.
Installation Zone — A main attraction for visitors, the Installation Zone highlights work from a variety of artists working in different mediums. A must-see participant this year is Take A Picture; Toronto by Max Hart Barrnwell – a 10-foot mural that will bring to life a collection of images captured by Torontonians via disposable cameras found around the city’s streets as part of an interactive art experiment.
Art Chats — The Artist Project’s Art Chats engages guests and offers an insider’s look into the art industry through the lens of experts in the field. A curated selection of special guests will share their knowledge from a variety of sectors in the creative community, imparting fresh perspectives and invaluable advice. This popular seminar series of interactive discussions will be hosted by some of the industries brightest minds and explore today’s prevalent subject matter.
Art Battle — Back by popular demand, Art Battle #638 returns to the exhibition floor on the evening of Friday February 23rd from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This interactive, live painting competition will showcase 14 artists selected from the fair to create the best work they can in 20 minutes. As they paint, visitors can move around the easels, closely watching the creative process #BehindTheArt, and are encouraged to vote for their favourite painting and bid in a silent art auction.
UNTAPPED Emerging Artists Competition — Dedicated to supporting the development and success of students, new graduates and self-taught artists, the UNTAPPED Emerging Artist Competition, presented by DeSerres, is a juried competition that awards 20 emerging artists from all mediums the opportunity to exhibit at a professional-level art fair at no charge in a dedicated feature space. This program aims to provide a platform for young artists to launch their artwork to a public audience, make connections within the arts industry and gain experience in the contemporary art world.
TIME FLIES — Presented by Swatch, this year artists are invited to submit an original work based on their interpretation of the theme “TIME FLIES”. All competition entries will be presented in a feature exhibit at the show for guests to enjoy. Winners will be selected by a panel of jurors to receive a cash prize. Show-goers can also vote for their favourite entry in the competition to receive the People’s Choice Award and be automatically entered to win $250 towards a work of art and a pair of tickets to the Opening Night Party at Artist Project 2019.
Performance Art — OCAD University’s Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers partners with Artist Project to present Under Construction by James Knott. This installation explores the notion of “constructed realities”, particularly from a queer perspective, with the use of absurdity and camp theatrics as a coping mechanism.
Drawing inspiration from the paintings of Mike Smalley (a 10-year veteran of Artist Project), Ariel Adkins, Art & Social Media Maven and Founder of @ArtfullyAwear, will paint garments on live models creating a juxtaposition between art and life, fashion and function. Sponsored by Art Collectif, 10 per cent of sales raised through the auction of completed garments will be donated to Red Door Shelter – an organization providing safe shelter for women and families in need.
Ticket Information — Tickets are now on sale for the Early Access Preview and the Opening Night Party held on Thursday February 22, 2018. Early Access visitors will be among the first to preview and collect works of art, while indulging in specialty cocktails, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, music and art performances. Artist Project has partnered with Artbound’s Creative Deeds Program, a charitable organization that helps build and support arts-focused community initiatives, to donate a portion of ticket sales proceeds to the organization.
Ticket information is available via the Artist Project website, linked here.
