Voices of the Corridors: Repression of the Self, Repression of a Movement, Oppression of a People

Voices of the Corridors: Repression of the Self, Repression of a Movement, Oppression of a People

Exhibition runs: January 8–Feb 21, 2016
Opening reception: January 8th 6–9pm

Repress–To put down by force: subdue; to prevent the natural or normal expression, activity, 
or development of feelings.
In his writings regarding the residue of certain challenging experiences during his youth, collective member Bruce Ray calls out the disabling power of ageism and outlines how childhood traumas are connected to a subversion of curiosity and creativity later on in life. This generous offering sets the tone for this year’s collective show, Voices of the Corridors: Repression of the Self, Repression of a Movement, Oppression of a People, a curated art exhibition in which collective members engage themes regarding contemporary disability and mental health activism by way of their diverse and politicized community–based art practices.

With this timely exhibition, collective members present their creative work and criticism in response to their threatened habitat; the autonomous, collectively–held space of the artist–run centre, Gallery Gachet. Precariously balanced in a neighbourhood undergoing advanced gentrification and predation, Gachet’s gallery and studio space has emerged as a symbol of solidarity and resistance in the midst of the overwhelming social, cultural and political pressures of our seething metropolis. Embodying the spirit of the Mad Pride movement, which Gachet member Karen Ward says empowers its members to “talk back, fight back, make art” this exhibition reveals a resilient and thriving community that is kept in obscurity by forces that are out of its control. It is a collective declaration in line with Gachet’s overall mission to eliminate discrimination against people marginalized as a result of their mental health, trauma and/or abuse experiences.

Salon Shop

The Salon Shop is Gachet’s micro–exhibition space and shop that features artwork of local community members, as well as Gachet volunteer, associate and collective members.
Currently featured are two of Gallery Gachet’s most recent additions to our Collective core, Andy Morning Star and Stella Castell.
We invite you to enjoy a sampling of their art and welcome them as Gallery Gachet Collective Members.

To see pictures from this exhibition, please visit our Flickr account https://www.flickr.com/photos/gallerygachet/sets/72157663336197991

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©artwork by Bruce Ray