WATCH: What do artists really think about 'Canadian art'? ?

Ideas

A simple question that yields complex answers…

We asked four artists – CIFUENTES, Diana Rosa, Akash Imbakumar, and Claudia Menecola – to explain what ‘Canadian art’ means to them. 

Each of these artists have a different perspective reflective of their own experience growing up in Canada or outside of this country. This is reflected in their practice and how they move through the world. As a company founded by second-generation settlers, to speak of “Canadian art” calls on our commitment to decolonize past structures in the arts sector, celebrate diversity and create space for BIPOC creators to share.

With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coming up on September 30th, their responses invite us to reflect on how art – and by association, our national identity– is defined. And as we look ahead, what are the possibilities of what it could be? And can we shape it into something to be proud of?

Artists Featured:

CIFUENTES: https://cifuentes.partial.gallery/
Claudia Menecola: https://claudiamenecola.partial.gallery/
Akash Inbakumar: https://akashinbakumar.partial.gallery/
Diana Rosa: https://dianarosa.partial.gallery/

About Partial: Established in 2016, Partial showcases the work of hundreds of talented artists from across Canada, thousands of original art pieces, and welcomes an ever growing number of seasoned collectors, interior design and set professionals, commercial clients, and folks buying their very first original piece of art.

Videography & direction by Tishan Baldeo

Special thanks to 401 Richmond and Harbourfront Centre.

Partial is founded on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation in this place named Tkaronto. Artists imagine and create work all across this country we call Canada – land that Indigenous peoples have stewarded for 15,000 years and continue to do so today.