"Pre-Occupied": An Exhibition of Ideas, Objects and Occupations

Hosted by Parkdale's newest pop-up gallery

Pre-Occupied. An exhibition of ideas, objects and occupations.

"Pre-Occupied" is a pop-up exhibition of work that deals with various themes of occupation. This exhibition explores how pre-occupations are manifested in objects. Presented by the Cadence Collective and hosted in an alternative venue, the exhibition runs from March 11- April 1, 2012.

Artists include: Kasia Czarnota, Department of Unusual Certainties, Brothers Dressler, Hugo Didier, Heyday Design, Taliaferro Jones, Amanda McCavour, Sally McCubbin, Public Displays of Affection (PDA), Liz Pead, and Ruth Scheuing.

There is value in claiming space for expression and allowing room for ideas to be discussed, to grow and to transform. While social media have been credited with facilitating recent protests around the world, the occupation of physical space - the undeniable presence of people and camps – has captivated attention and underlined the commitment of demonstrators. Inspired by the Occupy Movement, this exhibition considers how pre-occupations are manifested in objects. How do ideas occupy space? How are they shared and made tangible through the creation of objects, both as process and in final form? How do those objects act as catalysts to help transform and revitalize space and discussion? Two slogans serve to organize the work: "Resistance is fertile" and "It's not a protest, it's a process." By exploring a series of definitions of "occupy," connections are drawn between the act of making objects, and issues of expression, communication, employment, community and production.

Opening Reception: "Occupy Your Kitchen," Sunday, March 11, 3 – 5pm

Inspired by Pam McConnell, city councilor for the ward where the Occupy protesters set up camp, the opening reception will be based on the idea that everyone should "occupy their kitchens," creating space for dialogue. Guests are invited to view the work and voice their "pre-occupations" in an informal and welcoming venue.

Where:

173 Macdonell Avenue, Toronto

The exhibit will temporarily occupy a pop-up gallery in a new studio/gallery space in an alley garage in Parkdale, designed in collaboration with Johnson Chou. This exhibit will be the first 'occupation' of this alternative venue.

When:

Open to the public: March 11 to April 1, 2012,

Weekends noon- 6pm, weekday hours by appointment, www.preoccupied.ca

Opening reception: March 11, 2012, 3-5pm

Closing Artist talks: April 1, 2012, 3pm

The exhibition opens in conjunction with the Ontario Craft Council's symposium: "Craft & the New Economy" at OCAD on March 10, 2012. craftandtheneweconomy.org

For more information about the exhibition and to book appointments, please visit www.preoccupied.ca

Founded in 2008, the Cadence Collective is a fluid collective of thinkers, artists and curators who collaborate on interdisciplinary community art projects. For more information, please visit www.cadencecollective.ca