Iconography of Divination / Sign of Spirit
Winsom
A Space Main Gallery
January 18 – February 15, 2003
Curated by: Natalie Wood
curated by Natalie Wood and coordinated for A Space by Rebecca McGowan
Opening Reception with drumming by Muhtadi and opening remarks by Edmund Barry Gaither, Director and Curator of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists and Curatorial Staff, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Winsom's exhibition at A Space takes place in conjunction with work shown at Women's Art Resource Centre and Todmorden Mills Museum Gallery.
Iconography of Divination marks the path that leads to the gallery. Four window displays explore the ways people have found guidance in divination through the ages. Images and objects connect us with the transformative power of the spirit.
The paintings which form part of the installation inside the gallery space were created in 2001 in Belize. During that time the artist reflected "on my life between worlds and the death of my old life." In discussing Winsom’s work Professor Nkiru Nzegwu of the New York State University observed that "Šwithin her chosen conceptual scheme, art is no longer a physical creation of material forms and shapes, it is a prayer, a ritual, a sacrifice and an incantation to the Orishas." Sign of Spirit invites us to share in a visual experience of ritual and celebration, an interpretation of the signs and symbols found in nature and everyday objects.
Biographies
Winsom is a senior multi-media artist who has exhibited in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. In Toronto, she has shown her work at the Art Gallery of Ontario, The Textile Museum and at Harbourfront Centre. Winsom is the recipient of numerous awards and honours, most recently a Toronto Arts Council Foundation Award for outstanding contribution to arts education.
Natalie Wood is a multimedia artist, curator, and arts educator based in Toronto. She has an MA in art education, and teaches at schools, art centres, and health organizations to develop and support health and creativity, especially within black and queer communities.