Play Is a Roomy Subject is an international exhibition, featuring works from Welsh and Canada-based artists, held at the University of Ottawa. The show variously explores metaphorical dynamics of play and care within space and relationships. Relationships, be that on an individual scale, or within communities and collectives, or even between humans and their environment, all provide a crucial framework to questions on the meaning of play and care.

In this exhibition, bridging UK art and Canada-based works, the curatorial process and decisions will study the interrelatedness of physical and conceptual space, care, and relational dynamics. “Play” is offered as a pluralistic concept, unfolding under the contexts of power dynamics, domesticity, socio-politics and metaphor. Through this exploration, the viewer is invited to explore how “play” is a roomy subject.

Featuring:
Keith Bayliss | Kimberly Eady | Sophie El-Assaad | Hamish Gane | Will Jones | Mez Kerr Jones
Bella Kerr | Heer Mandaliya | Steph Mastoris | Nilofer Rauha | Annika Walsh

Exhibited within the University of Ottawa at Gallery 115, 600 Cumberland Street
November 28th – December 6th 2022. Free admission.
Vernissage on Friday, December 2nd at 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

For further information, please contact playisaroomysubject@gmail.com

In this series of drawings, a character has appeared. A female figure. She is a character who appeared recently in a few earlier artworks. She is seen sometimes wearing a mask or deep in conversation, performing impossible tasks and being the centre of attention. For me, what is important in viewing an artwork, is that the onlooker adds to the unfolding story. We bring ourselves to the event. We take part in the “game”.

Keith Bayliss