Woodside Gallery is kicking off the spring/summer exhibition season with a show by Lake Errock artist Kat Wahamaa. Wahamaa, known primarily as a singer-songwriter/recording artist and activist, has a long career spanning various disciplines including performing, visual and literary arts, community development, social justice/advocacy and more, but this will be her debut in photography.
“Although I have spent a lifetime making art of all kinds this is my first exhibition – which is a bit scary but exciting at the same time,” says Wahamaa. ”In terms of the content of this show I have always been fascinated by openings. Doors, windows or archways, manifest architectural detail, give history lessons and become works of art at the hand of the elements. Those openings found in nature, and those within us suggest another way of being or perceiving. All offer an invitation.”
The photographs in this show reflect these themes with “openings” from such disparate locales as England, Crete, Japan, Key West, and Lake Errock. Of the images some are represented directly from eye to camera to print while others have been digitally altered. “I love the work of Buffy Ste Marie – she’s been making digital art since the early nineties I believe. Her pioneering work in computer generated art and use of Photoshop is inspirational.”
The exhibition runs from April 1- 30 and opens on April 1 with an artist reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with music and refreshments. Woodside Gallery is at 2226 Lougheed Highway, Harrison Mills. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment.