Urban Visions 07: Shore/lines
Good Life Magazine published an article featuring the MacLaren Art Centre’s Urban Visions 07. Here is an excerpt of the article, written by Lucy Purdy…
“A stroll through the back alleys of downtown Barrie and the city’s public spaces has never been so colourful, inspiring and entertaining. With art popping up in some of the most unexpected locations, the town is abuzz with the beautification that is Urban Visions 07. A collaboration of the MacLaren Art Centre, the City of Barrie, Downtown Barrie Business Associations, and a number of talented artists, installations have begun to enhance the environment with a variety of eclectic and original works. Sarah Beveridge, exhibit curator welcomes the public to come by the gallery, pick up a passport and enjoy a walk through the city and along the Kempenfelt Bay shorelines to witness its transformation. “People are really excited about it in terms of activation of these spaces and how they are coming to life,? Beveridge said, adding that there’s a playful energy which has been injected into sites such as the city hall fountain. Submissions to take part took place in January for the outdoor exhibitions which is the MacLarne Art Centre’s third installment of the ongoing biennial series Shore/lines. Regional artists as well as those from Montreal, Toronto, Mississauga, and Colburn vied for a position on Barrie’s tabula Rosa….”
I was very thrilled to have taken part in Urban Visions 07, not only as an artist, but also as a business sponsor. My work was hosted by Ego Menswear, located at 25 Dunlop Street East, and I hosted an installation by Jesse Coughlin, stone mason by trade, in front of my studio located at 96 Mary Street in the downtown core.
“This is the third installment of a biennial series of site specific art projects that respond directly to the environment and place.”
My collection of photographs for this art project was entitled “Content of Character”…and here’s my artist statement as printed in the passport…
As a local photographer, Klementti draws her inspiration from the streets of her everyday life. Her work portrays the vignettes of life in an urban environment with each photo telling a story. In this project she has allowed it it develop organically through her sojourn in the streets, absorbing the spontaneity, interaction and energy of the life around her. Jennifer Klementti is a documentary, lifestyle and portrait photographer based out of Barrie, Ontario.
Here’s my personal artist statement as well…
“As a photographer, I often immerse myself in my surroundings, keeping an open mind and being aware of the interaction of life around me. It was through stepping inside the various restaurants, boutiques and shops and connecting with the business owners that I really began to feel the essence and the soul of the downtown core. These beautiful people and the unique environments that they create fuel the spirit with their individuality, vitality and character. The entire project was photographed with existing natural light, and the Giclées are printed on archival Photo Rag papers.” – Jennifer Klementti
This was truly a great experience to be involved with this art exhibition!
Here are also a few extra images that weren’t exhibited…following…
