Summer is flying by, but there is still time to explore the diverse selection of art the city has to offer right now! Quite a few exhibits around Toronto are closing in the next month or so to make room for fresh pieces coming in the fall. So, we gathered 8 art exhibits open now in Toronto that we think you’ll want to catch before the summer winds down.
From traditional art exploring big questions of motherhood and identity, to specialty exhibits showcasing one-of-a-kind books, jewellery, or quilts, find an exhibit that suits your tastes, and have an artful August!
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June Clark: Witness
Toronto-based artist June Clark has developed a groundbreaking and unique practice since the 1960s, spanning photo-based work, text, collage, installation, and sculpture. This deeply personal exhibit at The Power Plant brings together four of her most significant bodies of work, all exploring identity formation, history, and memory. Closes on August 11. More info.
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Secret Codes: African Nova Soctian Quilts
Quilts have had various functions over time: as decorated blankets in the home, as methods of communication for enslaved people seeking freedom, as records of family history, as a celebration of Black women and culture, and as inspiration for other art forms. This exhibit at the Textile Museum of Canada celebrates the history of the quilt, bringing together more than 35 quilts and 8 paintings that tell the stories of makers connected to Nova Scotia. Closes on August 18. More info.
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Black Dreams & Aspirations
Addressing the question “What does it mean to dream while Black?”, the second instalment of this exhibition features work from 6 Black artists, all with inspiring stories. Free and publicly accessible in Union Station’s West Wing, this exhibit highlights contemporary Black voices and explores themes of community, self-possession, connection to the past, creativity, and the power of imagination. Closes on August 31. More info.
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Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill, M*****
This body of work from Vancouver-based artist Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill speaks to the ideology, experience, and practice of motherhood. Featuring found materials including blackberries, hair, and photocopied magazines, a series of sculptures, drawings on silk tissue and a looping film installation, this exhibition spans mediums and encourages conversations about motherhood, feminine labour and kinship. Closes on August 31. More info.
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Thirty-Six Brooches & Human Made Stuff
See these two free exhibits at Harbourfront Centre before they close on Labour Day! Thirty-Six Brooches explores the stories and symbolism behind brooches designed by some of Canada’s best jewellers, and the powerful social messages they can communicate. Human Made Stuff investigates the cost of the immense excess of human-made “stuff” produced since the Industrial Revolution, and what can happen if we make less, intentionally. Closes on September 2. More info.
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The Art of Banksy
If a blockbuster exhibition is more your speed, you won’t want to miss the biggest Banksy exhibit in the world! Experience the phenomenon of Banksy through 161 original works by the infamous mystery artist, on display in Toronto for a limited time. See the iconic pieces that brought Banksy worldwide recognition to the artist’s rare rendition of Mona Lisa, and many more prints, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, hand-drawn sketches, and limited-edition pieces. The last date tickets are currently available is September 2. More info.
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Unexpected Treasures: Art, Archives and Artifacts
The Toronto Public Library houses many secret gems. Discover an unexpected treasure at this eclectic exhibit at the Toronto Reference Library, showcasing items from the TPL’s world-renowned Special Collections dating back to the late 1500s. See inside the vaults for centuries-old cartography, archival rarities, local streetscapes, handcrafted art books and other surprises. Closes on September 15. More info.
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Toronto Gone Wild
Learn about life in the city from a new perspective at the free exhibit Toronto Gone Wild. From city streets to burrows, hives, and nests, see for yourself just how interconnected life is for the animals, plants and insects that call Toronto home. You might even discover you have some things in common with our animal neighbours, like a struggle for food, housing, and community. This exhibit is now extended until November 3. More info.
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