RAW

Raw clay is emerging as a compelling medium for contemporary art, taking on new relevance as conversations around identity, visibility, and survival on our planet develop. From sticky and wet to dry and powdery, raw clay speaks to primal themes like the land, the body, and memory. Perhaps most significantly, clay reaffirms our essential connection to the earth. As digital screens come to dominate our vision and disconnect us from an increasingly threatened environment, clay takes on a critical role in resisting our withdrawal into the virtual.

Four new installations by leading artists working with unfired clay—Cassils, Magdolene Dykstra, Azza El Siddique, and Linda Swanson—invite you to discover new possibilities in an ancient medium. The artworks on display are all in flux and will transform throughout the exhibition.

Watch Cassils discuss their world-premiere performance of Up To and Including Their Limits, which took place at the Gardiner on February 20. The physical remnants of that performance, as well as video documentation, are on view in RAW.

Exhibition programs and events

Up to and Including Their Limits
SOLD OUT
February 20, 7 pm
Join the Gardiner for the world premiere of a new performance by Cassils.

Friends Day | RAW
March 4, 10 am – 9 pm
Gardiner Friends are invited to join us for an exclusive preview of the exhibition before it opens to the public.

Slow Art Day
April 4, 1 – 2 pm
Take part in Slow Art Day by contemplating RAW’s four multi-sensory installations. Participants will be invited to experience each work for 10 minutes, followed by a group discussion.

Earth Day
April 22, 6:30 – 8 pm
Celebrate Earth Day at the Museum by joining us in a free, family-friendly earth ball-making workshop.

Co-Presenting Sponsors

Paint Sponsor

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. canadacouncil.ca

Header image: Magdolene Dykstra, Polyanthroponemia, 2020, Unfired clay and mixed media