Canada Post’s South-Central Letter Processing Plant
(969 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 1A5)

 

Interchanges by Winnie Truong is the final of three projections in a series entitled The Essentials, curated by The Bentway as part of BigArtTO. The projection-based work will be on exhibit from Wednesday, November 18 through to Saturday, November 21 from 6-9pm each evening at Canada Post’s South-Central Letter Processing Plant.

 

DOWNLOAD THE INTERCHANGES COLOURING SHEET >>>

Please note: This projection run 5-7 minutes long on a continuous loop. Please enjoy these works safely, following all guidelines issued by the Chief Public Health Officer, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and all levels of government (including physical distancing).

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About Winnie Truong

Winnie Truong is a Toronto artist working with drawing and animation to explore ideas of identity, feminism, and fantasy and finding its connections and transgressions in the natural world. She has exhibited her work across Canada, the US and Europe with solo presentations at Volta New York Art Fair, Pulse Miami Art Fair and Art Toronto. She is the recipient of visual arts grants from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Arts Council for the Arts, and is a 2017 recipient of the Chalmers Arts Fellowship.

She has been the artist in residence of the Brucebo Scholarship in Sweden, and at the Doris McCarthy Artist in residence at Fool’s Paradise. Her cut-paper drawings have been included in the CBC program The Exhibitionists and The Sunshine Eaters curated by Lisa Deanne Smith. Her work is in the collection of The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, Kansas, Doris McCarthy Gallery at the University of Toronto, Bank of Denmark, and EQ Bank.

Website

 

Artist Statement

Taking inspiration from mail distribution systems, this animation reveals the paralleled complexity in seed dispersion among local urban flora. For me this touches on two essential connections I’ve had during the pandemic: sending real tangible mail to friends and family as a way of keeping tactile connection, and seeking meditative respite among the nature of local parks like Corktown Common and the Toronto Islands. Visiting these parks I’ve observed the complex systems of seed pollination and distribution that are taking place at a micro and macro level all around us: dandelion spores catching the wind, bees transferring pollen or birds scavenging seeds. This animation will focus in on this process, following several seeds and pollinators as they move around the frame and interact with each other in a surreal, natural environment. The film will function as a moment to meditate on this unimaginably complex system that we often take for granted. By making a connection between seed and mail distribution this work reveals how these overlooked systems  are essential to meaningful connections to nature and each other.

 

About The Essentials

The year 2020 has forever altered the foundations of public life leading to dramatic shifts in society’s understanding and appreciation of routine, mobility, sustenance, education and cultural production. In a time marked by great upheaval and prolonged uncertainty it is not surprising that we are questioning what we deem essential. From basic freedoms, to critical labour, to crucial kindness, now is the time to work collectively to ensure we are building cities, spaces and institutions that address these vital needs.

The Essentials is a digital public art exhibition presented by The Bentway as part of the City of Toronto’s BigArtTO campaign. The project invites selected artists to reflect on that which is essential now, reaffirming priorities and commitments for the post COVID city.

Echoing The Bentway’s relationship with the Gardiner, the exhibition is presented across three lake-side sites of industry, leisure, and infrastructure. During this pivotal time of transition for both the buildings and the city the works suggest further multi-purposing of civic assets. Collectively the projects reflect on Toronto’s past and imagine an urban future premised on fundamentals, all the while asserting art’s own essential role in that evolution.

 

About BigArtTO

Experience art illuminated at BigArtTO, a city-wide public art celebration featuring free access to over 200 hours of temporary public artworks projected onto local buildings and landmarks. Created by Toronto artists, the projections will play Wednesday through Saturday in each of Toronto’s 25 wards allowing residents access to artwork without having to leave their neighbourhood.

For additional event details and the complete schedule, visit the City of Toronto website.

Share your experience by tagging @TheBentway & using #ShowLoveTO on social media.