Step into Modern Fuel and explore the non-profit artist-run centre, located in the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning. Modern Fuel is situated on Lake Ontario, offering beautiful views of the waterfront and a five-minute walk from Queen’s University. The artist-run centre in Kingston is the perfect destination for students and people to visit and experience the engaging practice of Canadian contemporary art.
Contemporary art is largely a response to current social, cultural, and political happenings. It’s influenced by movements occurring now and evolving through technology. Modern Fuel offers insight into this dynamic world through the works of local and national artists.
Modern Fuel also publishes an edition of their newsletter Syphon semi-annually during the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This publication includes in-depth interviews with artists that have exhibited throughout the season and further delves into the stories behind their work. If you are not able to attend one of their fascinating ‘artist talks’ at this the artist-run centre in Kingston, then Syphon captures the essence of inspiration and offers insight on the artists’ personal practice. Further, Syphon reports critical art commentary. This is the publications’ attempt to heighten conversation about contemporary art in the community and voice coverage on unconventional art practices.
Soft Turns Exhibition, relatively gentle ways of touching (2016)
From April 30–June 11, 2016 the Main Gallery held a Soft Turns exhibition called relatively gentle ways of touching. Soft Turns comprises of Canadian artists Sarah Jane Gorlitz and Wojciech Olenjnik. Their collaborative work illustrates a fascination with space as an ever-changing concept with interactions occurring between foreign and familiar entities. Soft Turns bring awareness to the act of viewing and emphasizes the intention of being present as we move through space. Soft Turns describe this mindfulness in terms of sight, touch, sound, and light, such that curious movement is a purposeful exploration.
Inspired by a whale hull skeleton during their time at the National History Museum in Norway, Soft Turns described how whale bones which appear to be sturdy and rigid, are actually porous and oil-filled. The bones are more of organizational system rather than a structural support. Soft Turns reflects on this idea of heuristics giving an element a false purpose when passively acknowledged. Part of the exhibit was displayed on shelving units. Pegged brackets appeared to fasten these to the walls. In reality this was a false construction of illusory supports. Upon further inspection the brackets provide no support as the shelves actually hover above the pegs. The brackets were fabricated from cardboard and gold paint. They create a regular rhythm serving an organizational purpose. These details exemplify the importance of conscious viewing and actively deconstructing space.
To further explore the relatively gentle ways of touching exhibition, read an accompanying essay by Alana Traficante!
Visit Modern Fuel Today!
Modern Fuel hosts contemporary artists and exhibitions spanning from visual, audio, performance, and interdisciplinary practices. To preserve the integrity of each exhibition, the gallery spaces, including the Main Gallery and State of Flux Gallery, only display one or two programs concurrently. The focus on one artist and their creative enterprise allows the viewer to monopolize their attention and appreciate the work. Modern Fuel is an ever-changing space, continuously moulded to facilitate various installations and works of art. As an artist-run centre in Kingston, the gallery is in a constant state of flux as art flows from the community and through the space. The fresh content creates a real value for visitors, ensuring a new experience with each visit. Committed to furthering innovation and creativity within the community and beyond, Modern Fuel invites you to explore their galleries today!
Stay connected with Modern Fuel on upcoming exhibitions at http://www.modernfuel.org/ or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Do you want to read more about art and photography exhibitions in Kingston and area? Check out these other Kingston & Area Museums Blog articles.
If you would like to learn more about the Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites of Kingston and the Area start by exploring the spaces around you!