The works in this exhibition trace the boundaries of the body and reference garments and adornment in many forms. These literal and symbolic objects of attire allow their ‘wearer’ to explore a myriad of issues including identity and representation; objectification and empowerment; mythology and history; imagined futures and the afterlife.
These body coverings variously conceal, reveal, protect, attract, restrain and deflect, often performing more than one of these actions at the same time. How can we both hide within and be protected by these objects while they simultaneously broadcast and draw attention? Second Skin explores these paradoxes to consider a garment’s multiplicity.
This exhibition is organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta, curated by Lindsey Sharman and Danielle Siemens and presented by TD Ready Commitment.
Artists: Catherine Blackburn, Demetri Broxton, Nick Cave, Dayna Danger, Aganetha Dyck, Ishi Glinksy, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Karin Jones, Pamela Norrish, Elsa Robinson, Curtis Talwst Santiago, Caitlin Thompson, Nico Williams
This exhibition was awarded an Honourable Mention from the Canadian Museums Association in 2024.