Exhibit: Introducing That's So Gay + 10x10 Photography Project!

Two Toronto Art + Culture Exhibition Reviews

The Gladstone Hotel in Toronto is becoming well known for presenting free art exhibits that are open to the public like their two recent CONTACT Photography Festival Exhibitions. Last week I visited the Gladstone Hotel on Queen Street West to enjoy their two latest exhibitions: That's So Gay: On The Edge and 10x10 Photography Project that are running during Toronto's World Pride Celebrations.

L: language is the answer to culture R: a quick lesson in objiwei grammar by Daryl James Bucar

Portraits of Another Mother by Anna Jane MacIntyre

art.fag by Graham Kennedy

Siya, Beneath the Barong (2014) by SiMalaya Alcampo

Now in its fifth year, That's So Gay has slightly changed from its original idea of a protest against homophobia, to artists creating a dialogue about the diversity of the vast "LGBT" community and "queer disability culture." This exhibit, located on the second floor of the Gladstone Hotel, infuses several medias like photography, installation projects, and performance arts, from a diverse group of artists. I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit, and I will have to visit again. That's So Gay: On The Edge runs from June 20 - July 27, 2014.

Tynomi Banks, entertainer by Mikka Gia

L: Michele Pearson Clarke, visual & performance artist by Michael Chambers R: Ron Kennell, actor by Michael Chambers

Stephen Wong, designer by Mikka Gia

Starting in 2010, 10x10 Photography Project features 10 new Canadian queer photographers and 100 new portraits of LGBTI Canadians in the arts. The large exhibition takes up the third and fourth floor galleries of the Gladstone Hotel and displays the vast talent found in Canada. I loved seeing all the different artistic flares and variety of presentations, brought to the many portraits. It was also fun seeing some people that I have met in the portraits, like Charles Patcher, whom I met while visiting his beautiful house and studio during Doors Open Toronto. All 100 photos are available in the book 10x10: Volume 4. All proceeds from book sales are reinvested back into the project. 10x10 Photography Project runs from June 6 - August 17, 2014.

Portraits by Evergon

Roger Cairier, performer by Mitchel Raphael

Charles Patcher, visual artist by Pascal Arseneau

Have you visited any art exhibitions during World Pride Toronto? Which ones were your favourites?

P.s!: Throughout the run of That's So Gay, there will be special performances, panel discussions, and artists talks. Please visit Gladstone Hotel's website for more information. And as always, both of these exhibits are free!

P.s,

Melanie!