Chandra Melting Tallow
November 4th – December 3rd, 2013
Closing Reception & Performance: November 28th, 7pm
Baby Blue attempts to simulate the complexities, chaos and confusion of psychosis convoluted by hierarchies of knowledge in its interpretation: existing as a spiritual phenomenon informed by the artists cultural background and a purely biochemical malfunction asserted through the dominant western lens. The effects of trauma and the draw of mysticism are both referenced as a recurring attempt at reconciling the insight into what is perceived as contributing or conflicting elements to these uninvited states of consciousness.
Chandra Melting Tallow is a multi-disciplinary artist of Blackfoot and mixed ancestry from the Siksika Nation. She works primarily in video, installation and performance. Her work has been exhibited in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Victoria and Istanbul.
In addition to the installation, a performance will be taking place as well as a panel discussion/roundtable discussing the mythology of mad artist archetypes, co-coordinated by Jenna Lee Forde. In order to include individuals outside of the GTA who expressed interest in participating a zine of their contributions will also be produced in collaboration with Sanity Soap (a mental health hygiene blog by Vancouver artist and musician Crystal Dorval aka White Poppy).
Chandra is creating a zine parallel to this exhibition and is accepting submissions until November 15th, 2013:
singtothemystery.tumblr.com
The archetype of artists who struggle with mental illness perpetuates the belief that suffering is synonymous with creativity. When people dealing with mental health commit suicide they are often romanticized and venerated instead of highlighting the lack of resources and support systems. Often these stereotypes about the mad artist objectify what is an intense struggle. While the connections between struggles with mental health and creativity are valid and worthy of investigation, it’s important to simultaneously debunk the myths surrounding these experiences. We hope to explore these ideas by encouraging artists who identify with mental health struggles to contribute by inviting them to share their thoughts or experiences.
