The Art Gallery of Sudbury hosts an exhibit of the work of Mariana Lafrance called “To not be so lonely” until May 14.
Lafrance's artworks are influenced by the natural surroundings of Manitoulin Island, and other parts of rural Ontario and Québec.
She combines image-making and improvised choreography to explore tensions between the self, the other and the land.
Lafrance has exhibited in Sudbury at the Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015. She has also had recent exhibitions in Ottawa and Toronto. Her work is supported by the Ontario Arts Council (2011, 2016, 2017).
In 2008, Lafrance published a book of photographs of Sudbury entitled Site Unseen/La ville invisible, in collaboration with Les Éditions Prise de Parole.
“To not be so lonely” will feature video performances, photographs and drawings. An installation of an absurd 4'x4' checkers game entitled Cups Against Saucers will be the site of a 30-minute performance on opening night.
In this body of work, Lafrance doubles herself or her characters to address the relationship between the self and the other. She explores the necessity of connectivity between people, place and history. Through video effects, Mariana is able to negotiate with her double by layering, reversing and balancing the choreographed imagery.
As a contemporary artist practicing in Northern Ontario, Lafrance's work is influenced by the cultures and landscapes around her. Studying outside of the institution has allowed Lafrance to access opportunities for training in Northern Ontario, including a mentorship with textile artist Judy Martin (Manitoulin Island), the Near North Mobile Media Lab (North Bay), the Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance (Manitoulin Island), and Debajehmujig Storytellers (Manitoulin Island).
Born in Hearst, Ont. and raised on Manitoulin Island, Lafrance is constantly observing the historical and continuing relationships between people, place and self.
Visit www.artsudbury.org for more information.
