HOME: PHOTOGRAPHS BY JON BLAK
CURATED BY KENNETH MONTAGUE

February 1 – February 28, 2014
The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto

Opening Reception, 2nd floor gallery - February 1, 7-10pm
Launch Party, Gladstone Ballroom - February 1, 10pm-1am
 

An engaging events program exploring Caribbean Canadian history and culture. In presenting the work of Jon Blak, we hope to continue the dialogue between mixed cultural groups to examine Canada’s diasporic culture and social politics, and examine Jamaican and Canadian art and music with a particular focus on Caribbean youth culture.

Toronto-based photographer Jon Blak has worked as an artist and educational outreach mentor for over 10 years. Much of Blak’s work addresses racism, stereotypes, and role-modelling for young people. In his artistic practice, Blak’s images portray young artists, producers and musicians. His work reflects the changing contemporary cultural milieu in both Jamaica and Canada, and examines issues around class, race and cultural production to celebrate the impact of community. Significantly, his practice includes hosting workshops for at-risk youth and group facilitations to create sustainable educational programs.

Curated by Wedge Curatorial Projects Director, Kenneth Montague. Home will include an interactive installation, and a short documentary film by Director Mathew Mulholland. The exhibition will be accompanied by varied programming including a panel discussion, guided tour & film screenings and an artist-lead community project.

Presented with the Gladstone Hotel and TD: Then & Now Black History Month Series