Patricia Deadman: Along the Grand
Open until Nov 22
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG)
101 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7, Canada
Free
Organized by Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG)
Deadman’s process-oriented approach to making artwork and her particular understanding of land was grounded in her awareness of herself, the environment, and her relationships with people. In her own words:
“The landscape represents a sense of place where physical, spiritual, or psychological connections to the land may become apparent. As resources are consumed for profit, the consequences of these actions inevitably affect the individual. The photographic image becomes a representation of what we take for granted as our memory becomes forgetful of what is real.”
Borrowing its title from one of Deadman’s works (a proposed donation for 2026), the exhibition is anchored by a 2025 donation of six works to the KWAG Permanent Collection. It is also a timely reflection on the waterways of this region as they face increasing stress from population and economic demands. Deadman, though, encourages each of us to develop our own nuanced understandings of land and relations. She reflects: “the land is a very personal experience and one that's closest to my heart, something that I can identify with. There is respect and a concern for how we treat the land. I look closely at how people misuse or appropriate the land, and the issues of ownership and power and control.”
Take a walk Along the Grand and reflect on your own physical, spiritual, or psychological connections to this place.