Pride 2023: 5 must-see art exhibits during Toronto Pride
While Pride rainbows grace street parties and marches, our T-shirts and shop windows, there are many other ways to celebrate LGBTQ communities this month. For those looking for quieter moments to reflect on personal experiences, or to better understand the history of the event and its political beginnings, several galleries and museums are hosting exhibitions this month showcasing a variety of artists’ perspectives on identity, politics and joy.
Here are five exhibits that will fill you up with Pride this month.
JOY. SAD. FURY. LOVE. PRIDE.
A celebration of Toronto Pride, from 1970 to the present
Until July 22 Collision Gallery, 18 Wellington St. W.
If you’re going to visit one exhibit this month, be sure to check out this comprehensive historical look at Toronto Pride from 1970 to the present. Launched in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the ArQuives – Canada’s only nationally focused LGBTQ archive – the exhibition features archival photographs, print media and other ephemera from the archives and personal submissions. The purpose of the ArQuives is to make this history accessible to all and there is no better or more urgent time to reflect on the past as we collectively look to the future.
YOUphoria; A Pride showcase
June 21 to July 9 opening reception June 22 Propeller Art Gallery, 30 Abell St.
This group exhibition explores a question that is not often asked: “What is your queer joy?” Art from 38 artists working in a variety of mediums responds to that prompt, shifting the story to one of “Beauty, Celebration and Love.”
Uptown Pride Art Exhibit
21 to 27 June, opening reception 22 June Dignam Gallery, 23 Prince Arthur Ave.
This jewel of a historic building in Yorkville takes on a modern twist with a contemporary art exhibit featuring judges from artists from the LGBTQ community. Hosted by the Women’s Art Association of Canada, the exhibition, which will showcase a wide variety of works from painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and more, offers awards for the best in the show.
Gun Roze, MANHATTAN 1982: revisited
Until June 30 Akasha Art Projects Inc, 204D Carlton St.
A perennial favorite commercial gallery in Cabbagetown is holding its CONTACT photo festival exhibit by Toronto-based fine art photographer Gun Roze through the end of the month, as visitors just can’t get enough of that Studio 54 vibe. Feel your shoulder pads rise as you take in this stunning collection of vintage New York street scenes that Roze shot on Kodak 35mm color negative film in the early 1980s. This is Roze’s second exhibition in Akasha of the series, which is also bundled in a fantastic book.
ROM in the dark: Stay yourself
June 30, 7:30 p.m., Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
Let’s have a kiki at the Royal Ontario Museum’s glamorous Friday night event, which features “experiential energy” with food, music and pop-up performances from the likes of synthpop duo Moonbeam and electro-disco masters TUSH. After experiencing the virtual pool party and having your photo taken by Hugh Elliott, don’t forget to check out the ROM’s other exhibits, including Noelle Hamlyn’s “Lifers” art installation. While not affiliated with Pride, this show talks about themes that concern everyone. Hamlyn has recycled more than 20 life jackets to draw attention to the destructive environmental impact of the fashion and textile industries. The one-of-a-kind textile sculptures are accompanied by large-scale photographs by Geoff Coombs, creating an immersive experience that might make you think twice about buying the latest fast fashion to wear to the parade.
