Zonification

Zonification is the title of my exhibition which takes place in Gallery A at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. The exhibition coincides with my role as artist in residence at the Art Lab from July 13 – Sept 6, 2016.

Oshawa is transitioning away from heavy manufacturing towards service-based enterprises, prompted by growth in the education sector and improvements to the transit infrastructure, and accompanied by residential development in the north and infill construction of condominiums and warehouses downtown. One of the reasons why I now live and work here is because Oshawa has a story to tell. It is a world-renowned city although it doesn’t care to brag about it. Coming across remnants and signs of the “Second Industrial Revolution” is one of my favourite ways to discover this city.

So what are the signs which symbolize Oshawa’s present transition? Is it the bright orange traffic barrels which line-up along Simcoe Street as it crosses over the 407 extension? Is it exemplified by the 1806 square feet of hatched safety zones painted on the parking lot at the recently expanded GO station? Does the increased proliferation of safety zones mean that the city is safer or riskier for pedestrians? Does it denote increased accessibility? Does it signify a surplus of commercial space? Does it signal reinvestment in economically depressed areas? Does it reflect increased countermeasures against distracted driving/walking?

These sorts of questions will be explored during my residency in the Art Lab, which is concerned with documenting and interpreting patterns of urbanization, pedestrian safety, and rezoning strategies.

July 27 – Sept 6, 2016 in Gallery A at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, Ontario.
Reception: RMG Fridays, August 5, 7-10pm