UBCO Creative Studies Virtual Gallery
Reception on Tuesday, April 9 @2-3pm at the Fina Gallery
Beyond Reality: The Digital Sublime
These works by students of VISA 382: Advanced Practices in Media Arts explore the concept of the sublime examining its history, predicting its future, critiquing its commercialization, and more. Their works are diverse in medium ranging from interactive installations to digital paintings, showcasing varied observations of the sublime.
Open: April 3 – 11
BAI BAI
3D-Animated Video Installation
‘Bai Bai” is an introspective 3D-animated multimedia video exhibition by Bengi Agcal that embodies the complexities of immigration, identity, and the pursuit of creative freedom. At the heart of the exhibition is the narrative of a mystical water tiger, a symbolic representation of Agcal’s own journey, depicted through a series of evocative videos and animations. These works explore the emotional and psychological stages of immigration, drawing upon Agcal’s experiences of moving from Turkey to Hong Kong and finally to Canada. The exhibition unfolds through the migration narrative of a water tiger capturing the shock of displacement, the anger and rejection of facing systemic barriers, and the eventual recovery and nostalgia for a lost home.
Each stage of the narrative is a testament to the emotional stages of immigration, represented through the tiger’s transformative journey from a utopian aquatic realm to the stark reality of a new world. The journey commences in a realm of dreams, where the tiger thrives in amidst endless waters, symbolizing purity, potential, and the comfort of home. Inspired by the traditional Turkish “hamam,” this stage evokes a sense of communal intimacy and cultural richness, reminiscent of Turkey’s thriving days, echoing the warmth and solidarity experienced in neighborhood baths. The tiger’s home is a world where water is not just an element but a way of life, inviting a reflection on the essence of belonging and the shared human experience of finding solace in one’s roots.
As the narrative unfolds, the tiger is abruptly uprooted, finding itself in an alien landscape inspired by Kelowna, which is characterized by industrial coldness and the daunting expanse of parking lots. This stage confronts the harsh realities of migration—bureaucratic hurdles, societal indifference, and the existential struggle of starting anew in a place that deems you an outsider. The stark contrast from the first stage to this phase of rejection and anger poignantly captures the emotional turmoil and resilience required to navigate the complexities of a new beginning.
In the final stage of the Tiger’s odyssey, is the gradual adaptation to its new environment, marked by moments of gratitude, resilience, and occasional nostalgia. As the tiger builds a life of comfort and stability, echoes of longing for the past linger—a testament to the enduring ties to home and the bittersweet nature of transformation. Through introspective reflections and vivid imaginings, the tiger navigates the delicate balance between embracing the present and yearning for the familiar, encapsulating the essence of the migrant experience in the digital age.
Bengi Agcal is a multimedia artist and researcher. She earned her BEng in Computer Engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She is currently pursuing her MFA alongside the NSERC CREATE Immersive Technologies program at the University of British Columbia. Her research interests and art practice include speculative fiction, participatory design, 3D rendering, digital sculpting, XR technologies, web computing, immersive technologies, and sustainability.
“Simply an exhibition presenting the work from the Advanced Sculpture class VISA322”
Featured Artists:
Jian Suniga
Fredrik Thacker
Ziv Wei
Ella Cottier
Simone King
CJ Ozee
Ruth Nfutxila
Wenjing Wang
Stephen Ikesaka
Asana Hughes
We warmly extend an invitation for you to join us at “The Journey II”, the upcoming art exhibition held at the FINA Gallery on the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia. This event will display the innovative works of our first-year Master of Fine Arts students.
Exhibition Details:
– Venue: FINA Gallery, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
– Closing reception: Thursday, 29th February at 2-4 PM
– Exhibition Duration: 23th February to 29th February
About the Exhibition “The Journey II”:
“The Journey II” continues the exploration initiated by “The Journey,” delving into the stories and experiences that shape human existence. Every artwork embodies the unique journey of its creator, weaving together a unified narrative aimed at captivating the audience with individual tales that illuminate the commonalities of the human experience.
Participating Artists:
Negar Baghlani
Robin Hodgson
Roland Samuel
Tara Yadollahi
An exhibition of student artists, organized by the Black Student Association
at UBC Okanagan.
This exhibition was organized as part of Black History Month events at UBCO in the FINA gallery from February 12 to 22, 2024. Below is a list of the artists, statements and images of their work.
Anonymous
“Okpu isi-agu,” the ‘red cap’ worn by Chiefs in Igboland, represents the entire institution of leadership, authority, and power within Igbo society. Each stitch tells a story of ancestral wisdom, each hue a testament to the enduring legacy of kingship, both past and present. Resting upon the brow, it commands attention, signifying more than just a hat, but the very essence of leadership, tradition, and the resilient spirit of a community. But here, amidst the tapestry of tradition, a new narrative emerges—one of unapologetic celebration, where every boy is a king in his own right.
Peter Idoko
I am a 3rd year undergrad student majoring in Computer Science in the Faculty of Arts and Minoring in Management. My art journey has been long and tumultuous, to say the least. I have been making art for as long as I can remember, drawing inspiration from family and friends alike. I did, however, take a break for some time due to academic and life commitments during which I lost some of my touch. Art has always been a safe space for me be it through music, writing, or visual art. I have always found being able to pick up the pen cathartic and freeing. The time I spent off it was regrettable, as such, I am trying to regain that touch I once had, the creativity, the passion, all of that. Art is life and life is art, I hope I always remember that.
Kiki Mobolaji
Welcome to my world of imagery! I’m Kiki, a street photographer hailing from Calgary, Alberta. I began my journey with photography on a Nikon camera about 3 years ago. When my best friend introduced me to film photography a year later, I found a new passion and dedicated more time to studying the art. As a consequence, I became very fascinated by the unique and timeless aesthetic of film photography and vintage film cameras. Among my camera collection, the Rollei 35 S stands out for its sharpness and compact functionality. Besides my wallet or phone, I must take a camera with me every time I leave my house.
Keklevi Ansah
This painting represents the timelessness of black culture and tradition. The man at the center dances Bawa, a traditional dance from Northern Ghana. He wears a traditional attire called batakari, a Ghanian smock. In what seems to be the wrong place and time, his culture and tradition still thrives
Hamerenoah Taye
This is an homage to my hair. We have not always had a loving relationship but I’m happy to say we are now the best of friends. This is a collection of photos that showcase all the different hairstyles I have done in the past. It is in a collage style to commemorate my “hair-love” journey. I used printing paper, glue, and an old canvas that needed some love. Hair is a big part of black culture, as it is back home in Ethiopia as well. When moving here to Turtle Island (aka Canada) at the age of 8, it was a culture shock to be what it felt like the only coily hair representation around me. Watch me as I learn to hold my crown up high.
Marco Adriko
Marco Tiyo Adriko is a 21 year old University student from Kampala, Uganda. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, Canada. He is an amateur writer and has had some of his pieces published in student-led literary journals and magazines. His work is inspired by Maggie Nelson, Toni Morrisson and Taiye Selasi. More of his work can be found on @mvarcostudio and @sxynergy on Instagram.
Chidera Onuorah
My name is Chidera Onuorah and I am a Nigerian Artist, my main medium of art is digital art and it’s been like this for years due to just how accessible it is to me. Inspirations for a lot of my art stem from the anime, cartoons, and comics I digested since I was a youngin. To no one’s surprise as a black person I never really saw characters that looked like me so a lot of my art is making black characters that can do really cool stuff and can end up in an anime or cartoon like I wished to see back then. Hope these pieces make you as a black person feel like you can do anything. ~ LostBoy :/
Deborah Edoho
My name is Deborah Edoho, and I’m in my fourth year of psychology BSC. Growing up, I had always been interested in art, drawing characters and writing stories to go along with them. As I got older, drawing became an endeavour much like working out, as each time, I would strive to exercise my skills, learn new techniques, and become better at drawing. Unfortunately, since school became more of a priority for me, I did indulge in drawing a lot less. Despite my decreased interest in drawing, art still holds a special place in my heart, providing me a way to express myself and release all my thoughts and ideas onto the page.
“Absolutely No Ink Area” is an exhibition curated from this year’s VISA 336 Advanced Practice in Printmaking course at UBCO. Students have been working diligently to find their voice and unique perspectives through the medium of print, while also developing their technical craft. This upper-level fine arts course encourages students to experiment with new print media and combine methods from previous courses.
Join us in celebrating their accomplishments thus far.
Second Nature features a selection of works from Okanagan based artists Csetkwe Fortier (Syilx/Secwépemc) and David Doody in addition to works from UBC Okanagan’s Public Art Collection by Jordan Bennett (Mi’kmaw), Judy Gouin and Judith Schwarz.
Curated by Ryan Trafananko and Tania Willard, UBC Okanagan Gallery’s newly appointed director Second Nature explores how the complex visual patterns of the natural world are referenced in contemporary art and cultural identities. The exhibition features a variety of mediums from printmaking to sculpture to painting that highlight the links between organic and industrial structures.
Read more about the artists HERE.
Ludonarrative Dissonance is the exhibition title for the second group of 4th yr BFA student’s mid-year show. This exhibit feature the work of:
Fengyu Lu
Ari Pielecki
Wayne Zie
Thom Ayling
Ziv Wei
Nick Tai
Katja Ewart
Serena Arseneault
Audrey Allan
Aliana Voshell
Amy Marui
Twenty-three 4th yr BFA students are showcasing their mid-year work in two separate exhibitions. This first group’s exhibition, ephemeroptera features the following students:
Constructing Perspectives showcases sculptures created through a skill-building, iterative process. Guided by principles of Constructivism, students explore how meaning is conveyed through abstracted form and materiality in sculpture.
The process involves engagement in research and the creation of sketches, maquettes, and prototypes leading to the development of final works made from plywood and steel. A primary endeavour in the process is the strengthening of wood and metal shop skills and practices.
VISA 104: Instructor, Crystal Przybille
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