Petra Collins is one girl we’d love to hang out with. Director of famed photographer Richard Kern’s castings, a feature in Vice Magazine, as well as a shout-out from Tavi Gevinson, this eighteen year old Torontonian is poised to become one of your favourite new photographers. With her attention to mood, and a distinctly dreamy, feminine sensibility, Collins’ photos have a youthful irreverence with soft pockets of maturity. Her work makes you think of the days you spent in high school blissed out, sipping cold herbal teas and blaring fuzzed out tunes while staring down at your slightly untied sneakers.
Before we get carried away, though, let’s just talk about her latest contribution to the Toronto arts’ scene. Last week at The Gladstone’s Art Bar, Collins’ all-girl photography collective, The Ardorous, debuted their first exhibit, entitled “In Bloom”.
Named after the Nirvana song of the same name, and a reference to the collective’s young age range (members are between the ages of 18-25), “In Bloom” is all about documenting the young, female experience through the eyes of those who’ve lived it.
Running until August 9th, “In Bloom” is curated by Madelyne Beckles, and features headbands by accessories designer, Lara Vincent.