This exhibition traces the production of seven artists, the majority of whom were born and raised in London, Ontario, who not only follow their own unique creative vision but emphasize an open-ended, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach to making art.
The artists -- Marc Bell, James Kirkpatrick, Amy Lockhart, Jason McLean, Jamie Q, Peter Thompson, and Billy Bert Young -- met in school, or came together later through group exhibitions and common interests. While they have often concentrated on zine formats for their drawings and paintings, their work also encompasses printmaking, sculpture, sound and animation.
New “solo” and participatory works will be exhibited for the first time, alongside posters, costumes, mail art and more, which spills out of the Forum gallery space into the Centre Gallery’s display unit. Several of the artists will also create a mural in the Museum’s lobby.
The title L.O. Today does not attempt to define London’s larger art scene through the group’s aesthetic. Rather the words -- excerpted from a text in a collaborative work -- can be seen as describing a spirit of optimism (as in “Hello Today”) as well as indicating this city as inspiring important aspects of their work. The exhibition will be complemented by a forthcoming catalogue.
This exhibition is generously supported by the Museum London Foundation through its Light on London Campaign.