Young Patron Director's Tour of Abbas Akhavan

Join us for an exploration of Catriona Jeffries and a tour of the first solo-exhibition at the Gallery by 2019 CAG Auction artist, Abbas Akhavan:

They asked the fox, “Who is your witness?”

He said, “My tail.”.

The exhibition title is a Persian proverb reflecting on truth and systems of justice. Accordingly, the exhibited work considers the structural slippages that exist between categorical ideals and material reality. Throughout the exhibition, symbolism in the form of representational imagery plays an important role in considering the distinctions between ‘nature’ and ‘culture’.

The work of Abbas Akhavan (b. 1977, Tehran, Iran; lives/works: Montreal) ranges from site-specific ephemeral installations to drawing, video, sculpture and performance. The direction of his research has been deeply influenced by the specificity of the sites where he works: the architectures that house them, the economies that surround them, and the people that frequent them. The domestic sphere, which he proposes as a forked space between hospitality and hostility, has been an ongoing area of study in his practice. More recent works have wandered into spaces and species just outside the home: the garden, the backyard, and other domesticated landscapes.

Included in the tour will be insight into the role of commercial galleries as both representatives for artists and contributors to international conversations and museum exhibitions, including a Q&A session with Director, Peter Gazendam.

This event is free for CAG Young Patron members who are also invited to bring guests. To find out more please email support@contemporaryartgallery.ca or call +1 604 681 2700.