Constructed Identities

Ottawa, January 16, 2018 – The Canada Council for the Arts is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition - Constructed Identities - featuring the unique work of disabled artist Persimmon Blackbridge. Curated by Tangled Art + Disability, Constructed Identities is the first exhibition in the Âjagemô gallery that puts disability art at the heart of the presentation.

Constructed Identities marked the inaugural exhibit of Tangled Art + Disability in their new gallery space in Toronto; a groundbreaking moment for Tangled as an organization committed to cultivating Deaf, Mad and disability arts in Canada. Since then, this distinct display of Persimmon Blackbridge’s hand-crafted figures has toured around the country, landing in Ottawa for its premiere at Âjagemô.

CONSTRUCTED IDENTITIES by Persimmon Blackbridge

Exhibition Dates: January 24, 2018 to June 3, 2018 - 7am to 9pm - Free admission

Exhibition Opening: January 23, 2018 at 5:30pm to 7pm - A public opening reception will be held immediately following the Canada Council for the Arts Annual Public Meeting.

Location: Âjagemô 150 Elgin St, Ottawa

About the Exhibition

Constructed Identities features a large collection of small hand-crafted figures made from wood, metal, and found objects. Persimmon Blackbridge reshapes the meaning and aesthetics of disability as disruptive and satisfying. The figures reflect how disability and bodily difference, as well as race and gender difference, are essential to the aesthetics of the evolving human form. This accessible exhibition includes a tactile piece of art, ASL and LSQ vlogs, audio description, and works hung at a lower level in order to provide an experience inclusive of blind, low vision, Deaf, and disability communities.

About the Artist

From British Columbia, sculptor, writer, curator and performer Persimmon Blackbridge’s art has been shown across Canada, the United States and internationally.

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About the Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s national public arts funder. We champion and invest in artistic excellence so that Canadians may enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life. In 2016-17 we allocated $196.8 million dollars towards artistic creation and innovation through our grants, prizes and payments. We also conduct research, convene activities and work with partners to advance the sector and help embed the arts more deeply in communities across the country. We are responsible for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO which promotes the values and programs of UNESCO to contribute to a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future for Canadians. The Canada Council Art Bank operates art rental programs and helps further public engagement with contemporary arts.

About Tangled Art + Disability

Tangled Art + Disability is a not for profit art + disability organization dedicated to connecting professional and emerging artists, the arts community and a diverse public through creative passion and artistic excellence. Our mandate is to support Deaf, Mad and disability-identified artists, to cultivate Deaf, Mad and disability arts in Canada, and to enhance access to the arts for artists and audiences of all abilities. In 2016, we opened Tangled Art Gallery: Canada’s first fully accessible disability arts gallery dedicated to advancing accessible programming and curatorial practices. Tangled Art Gallery is proud to be barrier-free, cost-free, and open to the public.