BRAYHAM Contemporary Art Gallery

Visions & Voices

2011-04-19T15:20:00.016-04:00

Black & White Photographs by Women working in the Sex Industry

curated by: Moshoula Capous-Desyllas & Crystal Renee Tenty

Presented as part of Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival 2011

April 30 - June 12, 2011

Opening Reception: Saturday April 30, 2011 5 - 7 PM

The subjective experiences and voices of sex workers are seldom heard and their needs have been consistently defined and represented by non-sex workers throughout history, in society and within academia. Historical representations have contributed to the stigmatization of sex workers. Visual representations of sex workers by others have perpetuated stereotypical symbols of sexuality. Academic research is consistently being done ‘on’ sex workers instead of with them, denying them of their agency.

The purpose of this project was to understand the needs and aspirations of female sex workers in Portland, Oregon from their own point of view through art. The research methodology of photovoice was used to bring forward the knowledge and experiences of sex workers’ everyday lives through the inclusion of their photographic images and voices. This process entailed giving 35mm cameras to 11 diverse women working in different positions within the sex industry to take black & white photographs of their needs and aspirations.

After each woman took her photographs, individual dialogue sessions were held to reflect and discuss the images. The women were also invited to partake in two group dialogue sessions where they shared their photographs with each other and planned for an opening art exhibit of their visions and voices. The objective was to collaboratively identify important issues for female sex workers and to provide this information in a photographic art exhibit to inform policy makers, influential community advocates and the broader public in order to advocate for social justice.

Alex, Better Means, October 2008

Alex, To be, for no apparent reason, October 2008

Alex, On both sides of the fence, October 2008

Alex

Alex is a 33-year old exotic dancer of Scottish-American and Indian decent. She has danced her way across North America, from HI, CA, OR, WA, CT, OH, NY and all the way up to Canada. While living in California, Alex worked as a professional photographer for a rock magazine’s charity benefit, “Stop the violence, face the music.” Alex’s ultimate dream is to have the opportunity to host her own photography exhibit featuring abandoned places and things in Portland, Oregon. She is drawn to mystery, history and the original state of things. Her other hobbies include painting on photographs and writing. She is a published poet who is inspired by beautiful men. Alex has some experience with performance and acting, and hopes to pursue this when she quits dancing.

Bee, Never Forget, October 2008

Bee, Tools of the Trade, October 2008

Bee, What feeds my soul, October 2008

Bee

Bee is a 42 year old exotic dancer who identifies as Caucasian. She has worked in the sex industry for the past 10 years and has an 18-year old son. She started dancing at a young age and has professional training in ballet, tap and jazz. She was also a dancing instructor for young girls and views dancing as a form of art. Bee has many stories to tell about her various life experiences and her work in different sectors of employment. She has worked in construction, as a telemarketer, a bartender, a caterer and a business manger. Bee considers herself a “matriarch” in the business industry and hopes to utilize her managerial skills to open her own business. She is at the end of her career in the sex industry and aspires to return to school in order to follow her lifelong dream of working with animals.

Crystal, A way to make money, October 2008

Crystal, Portland's Finest Exotic Dancers, October 2008

Crystal, Hope for our community, October 2008

Crystal, Art is a beautiful thing, October 2008

Crystal

Crystal is a 29 year old woman who identifies as Hispanic and White. She has been working in the sex industry for the past ten years as an exotic dancer, erotic masseur and escort for elderly gentlemen. She dropped out of high school in the 10^th grade, acquired her GED and spent one year at community college. She has aspirations of going back to school and entering the helping profession. After being in an abusive relationship for eight years, Crystal, now currently single, aspires to give back to the community by working with domestic violence survivors. She has four children (two boys and two girls) and hopes to be reunited with them once her life is more stable. Her greatest joy is the time she is able to spend with her children, family and friends. Crystal also loves street art, such as graffiti and murals. She also has a passion for costumes and dressing up during performance.

Grahm, Who All Are Innocent: I, October 2008

Grahm, Who All Are Innocent: III, October 2008

Grahm

Grahm is a 21 year old student, activist and stripper. She moved to Portland from a big city a few years ago. She blogs her feelings about sex workers' rights, activism, and books she likes and she is in the process of putting together a sex worker ‘zine in collaboration with other like-minded folks. She thinks its fun to describe herself as a “queer feminist anarcha-stripper who voted for Obama.”

Jasmine, Wake Up, October 2008

Jasmine, Camp, Sweet Camp, October 2008

Jasmine, Untitled, October 2008

Jasmine

Jasmine is a 31 year old gutter punk who spent the last couple years of her life riding freight trains all across the country and meeting many interesting people along the way. She is not afraid to defend herself and also knows how to diffuse difficult situations. She has worked in the sex industry for the past ten years; at an escort agency as well as on the streets. Jasmine has two children; one boy and one girl. She is “single by choice” and identifies as being 1/8 Native American and of European ancestry. She currently works off of craigslist as an escort and accepts outcalls in order to support her addiction. Jasmine hopes to pursue a career as a nature photographer. She loves animals and her dream is to work for National Geographic. You can always find her downtown with her dog, Wagner.

Lady Purfection, Center Stage, October 2008

Lady Purfection, True Loves Inspiration, October 2008

Lady Purfection, Optimistic, October 2008

Lady Purfection

Lady Purfection is a 23 year old entertainer who chose to work in the sex industry because it’s fun and it offers an experience that you can’t get anywhere else. She has worked in the sex industry for the past two years and currently works as a dancer and an escort anywhere between 40-60 hours a week. Lady Purfection identifies as Creole and Blackfoot Native Mix. She is a high school graduate with some college credits. She is involved in numerous activist projects and was recently engaged. For Lady Purfection, entertaining in the sex industry is a form of art and she aspires to be famous; not just for her sex work, but for her art. She is a spoken-word poet and a sex worker artist recently featured in Spread Magazine.

Merry Mag, Sometimes Sex Work hurts - Call the Bad Date Line. Not all People Hate Us, October 2008

Merry Mag, See you in "Ho-Heaven" Tomorrow, October 2008

Merry Mag, It's a rich white man's world. How many childhoods are lost? I started in sex work at the tender age of 12 in the USA, October 2008

Merry Mag, I can only hope my feet are matched and weathered as much as these beautiful feet from walking and doing outreach to others in poverty, October 2008

Merry Mag

Merry Mag is a 52 year old self-described “activist ho” who has been working as a prostitute doing all types of work in the sex industry (from high class escorting, to working in a brothel to working off of the streets) on and off since age 13. She has struggled with addictions to heroin and cocaine, homelessness, and schizoaffective and bi-polar disorder. She has also been a successful business owner of two family oriented social clubs. She is a highly respected leader in her community. She is a mother of two adult children as well as a proud grandmother. She is a risk-taker and is energized by involving herself in a variety of social justice movements that address issues of violence, sex workers’ rights, homelessness and poverty. She is also passionate about social justice for prisoners and is vocal on human rights issues. She is a deeply spiritual woman with hopes for a special “ho heaven” where she will one day reunite with her oldest and closest sisters/friends.

Mouse, Untitled, October 2008

Mouse, Smoke Break, October 2008

Mouse, Untitled, October 2008

Mouse, Gypsy Eyes, October 2008

Mouse, Rich Landscape, October 2008

Mouse

Mouse is a 21 year old exotic dancer and erotic model. She is a college student studying psychology who loves to read. Mouse identifies as a gutter punk and has spent the past few years hopping trains around the country. She likes to hitchhike and live life freely. She adores dogs and their playfulness, and especially admires their carefree essence. Mouse also plays the accordion and trumpet, as music is one of her many passions. She hopes to devote her attention to playing music and being with animals when she is able to settle down and have a comfortable, stable place of her own.

Rizzo, Dumpster, October 2008

Rizzo, Untitled, October 2008

Rizzo

Rizzo is an 18 year old gutter punk who has worked in the sex industry for the past two years. She has her GED and attended some classes in business related to web design. Rizzo identifies as white and is currently single. She currently works approximately 20-30 hours per week through craigslist by posting for outcall escort services. She has no tolerance for violence and has an immense passion for cooking. Her dream is to attend culinary school and work as a chef once she receives treatment for her addiction to heroin. Rizzo also aspires to travel around the world with a backpack.

Rogue, Untitled, October 2008

Rogue

Rogue is a 30 year old woman who identifies as Indian. She is happily married to a man who is her greatest support in life. Rogue met her husband on the bus after going home from band practice; a band where she was the lead female vocalist. After making eye contact and wonderful conversation, she instantly fell in love with him and has been happily married every since. Rogue currently engages in street work and works off of craigslist in order to support her heroin addiction, but states that she does not want to keep doing this work any longer. Rogue completed the 11th grade and proceeded to work as a dancer shortly after high school. She has four children (2 girls and 2 boys) who do not live with her but who she hopes to be reunited with in the near future. Her dream is to open a family restaurant where she can be chef and where kids can do karaoke.

Sarah, An angel always watching over the women working on the street who are vulnerable to the utmost evil, October 2008

Sarah, Shooting Gallery, Office, Beauty Salon, Motel Room, & also, Surprisingly, Just a Bathroom, October 2oo8

Sarah, Untitled, October 2008

Sarah

Sarah is a 37 year old Euro-American street worker who loves getting crafty and creating art. She completed a few years of college, majoring in art and psychology. She comes from an educated, middle class family. Sarah has traveled throughout the U.S. and her experiences include working as a bike messenger in San Francisco and as a fisher in Alaska. She has many hobbies and passions, including craft-making. Sarah has struggled with addiction for more than 20 years and has a lot to say regarding the war on drugs and the ways in which our society treats individuals with addictions. She has worked in the sex industry for 11 years and is an outspoken activist for ending police violence against sex workers. This photovoice project has inspired Sarah to pursue photography as a hobby. Sarah dreams about being an art therapist or studying international business and world affairs.

Gallery Hours

Friday 2 - 7

Saturday & Sunday 12 - 5

Or by Appointment

For the Love Of .....?

2011-01-26T21:17:00.008-05:00

A Valentine's Day Themed Group Exhibition Featuring Work by

Gallery Artists:

Steven James Brown

J Lynn Campbell

Betty Kaser

James Koester

Mary McKenzie

Susan Moldenhauer

Lauri Lynnxe Murphy

Caitlin Erskine-Smith

John Will

artEXCHANGE

January 29 - March 6, 2011

Brayham Contemporary Art

1318 Queen St East

Toronto, ON M4L 1C5

647-435-7367

Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday 12 - 5 and by appointment

Lauri Lynnxe Murphy, Fragile Heart, 2007

Mixed Media Collage

6" x 10"

$125 Framed

We are in the process of updating our website. Please come back and visit us soon.

New Exhibition - Jeffrey Keith & Svava Thordis Juliusson

2009-11-19T14:32:00.002-05:00

Abstract Notions
Jeffrey Keith & Svava Thordis Juliusson
November 19 - February 7, 2010

Jeffrey Keith, Untitled Red, 2008
Oil on Mylar 12" x 12"

Keith successfully demonstrates that abstract expressionism is still current and vital today. His rich and superbly coloured paintings are sensuous, elegant, dynamic and tactile. While known primarily for his large-scale oils on canvas, his work in Abstract Notions proves his skill and talent as a painter, as he translates his large canvases into an intimate 12 x 12" scale.

Svava Thordis Juliusson, Weight I, 2009
Mixed-media drawing on paper

In contrast to the strong gestural expression seen in Keith's work, Juliusson's work appears delicate, exquisite and meticulously executed. Her drawings use line, colour, and texture to create beautifully patterned abstract images that encourage contemplation and reflection.

Upon First Refraction at the Drake Hotel
November 17 - February 9, 2010

Co-Curated by Mia Nielsen & Powell MacDougall

Svava Thordis Juliusson - Barr Gilmore - Junichiro Iwase - Ramon Pous-Landa
Boris Chouvellon - Lisa Neighbour - Duncan McDonald - Michael Toke

Svava Thordis Juliusson, SVONA, 2008

Upon First Refraction is an exhibition of multimedia artworks that emit, reflect or absorb light. On one hand this show was developed to comment on the coming winter solstice and how we culturally respond to the darkest time of the year by celebrating various traditions with light. However, it is not simply a 'holiday' show, but one developed to invite the viewer to consider the unique powers of light and darkness. (Nielsen & MacDougall: Upon First Refraction)

The Drake Hotel is located at 1150 Queen St West. Toronto, ON 416.531.5042

Holiday Gift Ideas

Art is a personal and lasting gift. Join our gift registry or let us help you select the perfect work of art for those special people on your list. We will gift wrap and can store your gift for you.

Some unique and affordable art gift suggestions include:

Photographer Steven James Brown has made a selection of 8" x 10" Cibachromes available. Most images are Artist Proofs and all are priced at $100.

Exquisite wood engravings from Rosemary Feit Covey's Strip Series are available starting at $225 framed.

Svava Thordis Juliusson's delightful and thought-provoking Must Haves are $40 each or two with the display shelf for $100.

James Koester's whimsical and quirky Glove Vase is priced at $185.

Mary McKenzie's beautiful and unique Ceramic Flower Vessels look equally wonderful in the garden or on a shelf or table-top. These flower vessels have been popular for host or hostess gifts. We have a wide selection of individual flowers available for $25 each.

Lauri Lynnxe Murphy uses collage as her sketchbook. We have a wonderful selection of her delightful Collage Drawings both framed and unframed. Prices range from $35 - $100

Steven James Brown

2009-11-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

We are in the process of updating this page with additional images and information.
Please check back soon.

Svava Thordis Juliusson

2009-11-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

Svava Thordis Juliusson, Weight I, 2009
mixed-media drawing on paper

Abstract Notions

Jeffrey Keith & Svava Thordis Juliusson
November 19, 2009 - February 7, 2010
@
Brayham Contemporary Art
1318 Queen St East, Toronto, ON

Abstract art uses the language of colour, line, form, and texture to create imagery removed from the traditional views of representation. Abstract work can be deeply narrative, poetic, expressive or solely focused on the joy of pure colour, shape, line or form.

Gallery artists Jeffrey Keith and Svava Thordis Juliusson appear to approach abstraction from diverse and almost conflicting viewpoints. Yet their works dialogue, communicate and share a resonance in their appreciation for the natural world around them.

Keith successfully demonstrates that abstract expressionism is still current and vital today. His rich and superbly coloured paintings are sensuous, elegant, dynamic and tactile. While known primarily for his large-scale oils on canvas, his work in Abstract Notions proves his skill and talent as a painter as he translates his large canvases into an intimate 12 x 12" scale.

In contrast to the strong colours and gestural expression seen in Keith's work, Juliusson's work appears delicate and meticulously executed. Her drawings use line, colour, and texture to create beautifully patterned abstract images that encourage contemplation and reflection.

We are in the process of updating this page with additional images and information.
Please check back soon.

Jeffrey Keith

2009-11-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Jeffrey Keith, Red Mylar, 2007
oil on mylar, 12 x 12"

Abstract Notions

Jeffrey Keith & Svava Thordis Juliusson
November 19, 2009 - February 7, 2010
@
Brayham Contemporary Art
1318 Queen St East Toronto, ON

We are in the process of updating this page with additional images and information.
Please check back soon.

TEXT-BASED: Steven James Brown, J Lynn Campbell, James Koester, John Will and ARTEXCHANGE

2009-09-16T14:35:00.006-04:00

Text-Based

September 18 - November 1, 2009

Reception: Friday September 25th 7 - 9 PM

"Text-based" as a term is commonly associated with computer based applications where the primary input and outputs are text rather than graphics. Text-based applications are not void of graphics, but rather the graphics or images are typically secondary to the text.

For the artists featured in this exhibit, text is an important element in their work. Unlike text-based computer applications the imagery in these works is not secondary to the text, but rather the text plays an important role in the image creation process, making it not more important, but vitally integrated into the meaning, message and aesthetics of these works.

Steven James Brown, Waterbaby, 2002
C Print, 3/15 11 x 14"
(inspired by The Water-babies by Charles Kingsley)

Steven James Brown is fascinated by language as well as the aesthetics of individual words and the way words appear on the page. Brown's photographic images are a result of a meticulous and laborious process involving shredding and sorting, or cutting words from texts which he then arranges, manipulates or covers objects with before shooting with a large-format camera.

J. Lynn Campbell, Involution / Evolution, 1997
from Imprint(s) Series
Mixed-media on Japanese paper
18.5 x 30"

J. Lynn Campbell investigates issues of experiential knowledge and the symbolism associated with memory and meaning. She uses language, words, or text together with visual images, body imprints, and other visceral forms as a means of layering messages and meanings.

Svava Thordis Juliusson, Must Haves 1997
Ceramic with pencil (installation detail)
Size varies

Svava Juliusson created her Must Haves in 1997 as a means to use personal narrative and anecdotes translating them into objects. What started as a list of domestic and mundane tasks and needs, takes on a greater significance of memory and relevance when cast in clay and displayed like a valued plate collection.

James Koester, Of, 2000
Found baking sheet and phosphorescent wire
8" x 8"

James Koester's work focuses on the narrative and the poetic. The juxtaposition of found elements, text and sculptural form creates dialogue, demanding the viewers attention and challenging our cognitive and visual senses.

John Will, Trouble's Commin', 2003
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 20"

John Will's practice has evolved as an experiential autobiography. While highly personal, his colourful attention grabbing paintings draw the viewer into the work through the use of text that touches nerves as he tackles often controversial issues that the viewer can relate to.

ArtEXCHANGE, Declaration of the Imagination, 2007
Mixed-media
15 x 15"

ArtEXCHANGE, a project initiated by Toronto based artist Mary McKenzie working collaboratively with J. Lynn Campbell, Nina Leo, Susan Lukachko, Anne O'Callaghan and Keijo Tapanainen investigating the loss of control in art making. Text played an important role in the collaborative nature of this work adding a layer of narrative, discussion, or debate to the experience.

I am often asked what I look for when I look for artists or for new work. Text-Based looks at a common theme underlying the practice of many of the gallery artists. Do I particularly look for work that is text based? I would have to say no. But at some level I am drawn to work that successfully combines text and imagery. I like the additional layering of narrative, of meaning, of the poetics of one or two carefully chosen words, and like Steven James Brown I love language, text and the sound and look of individual words.

J. Lynn Campbell, Treaty 1995
Detail (1 of 20 chairs)
linen, embroidery on metal chair

Text-Based is on view through November 1, 2009. Please join us for a reception on Friday, September 25th from 7 - 9 PM. And in the spirit of artist interventions, animating public space and audience engagement and interaction look for J. Lynn Campbell's temporary installation of Treaty October 3rd as part of Text-Based Off-site at a location to be announced during Nuit Blanche.

Brayham Contemporary Art is located at:
1318 Queen St East. Toronto, ON M4L 1C5 647.435.7367
Gallery Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 - 5 and Thursday by chance.
We are also open by appointment or arrangement.