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Remember when ... memory explored through art at Aurora Cultural Centre

'From Memory' juried Society of York Region Artists art exhibit runs until Jan. 26

Yorkregion.com
Jan 14, 2019
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The memory is a private collection of feelings.

The From Memory exhibit at the Aurora Cultural Centre explores memory in the form of art.

The exhibit is a collection of personal memories that transcends the canvas.

“Like art, memories are so personal,” said exhibit curator Stephanie Nicolo

“A landscape painted from a particular memory by the artist might bring forward our own memory when viewing it.”

Memories are a collection of stored information, sensations and feelings that nurture traditions and provide context for our lives, she added.

The memory also shapes how traditions are passed from generation to generation.

From Memory is the centre’s first juried art exhibit and exclusively features more than 60 pieces of artwork created by close to 40 members of the Society of York Region Artists.

Along with the variety of artists showcased, the exhibit also displays a variety of mediums from mixed media, watercolour to photography as well as a range of art genres from portraiture, landscapes, still life to abstract pieces all in the theme of memory.

Memories can trigger a slew of emotions from giddy to gloomy and the exhibit meanders its way through them.

“This is not just a sunshine show,” Nicoló said. “Bad or sad memories are not a bad thing to talk about. Without the darkness, there won’t be any light.”

The exhibit is about balance, she added.

There are some pieces of art work inspired by personal loss and sadness, while others were inspired by childhood traditions.

The exhibit also examines how memories shared by the community -- communal memories -- about a particular event shapes our day-to-day.

One piece of art in the exhibit depicts an image of post-9/11 -- most everyone remembers that event, but each has a different set of details burned in their memory.

“The negative can’t be avoided,” Nicoló said.

There’s more to the From Memory exhibit than art hanging on gallery walls. Each piece of art is accompanied with a short story about the artwork itself and what memory it creates.

The centre is also hosting a number of free programs suitable for all ages, including artist talks and demonstrations as part of the ongoing Ways of Seeing free programs.

“Guests are viewing and reading,” Nicoló said. “The exhibit goes beyond the visual. Guests are connecting to the memory in the artwork and their own memories.”

From Memory: