Artist Talk, Performance and Reception: Leesa Streifler

Artist Talk will begin at 12:00 pm in person at Central Library, Community Commons and streamed online.

Watch the Online Artist Talk Here

"Art in Movement" will be performed by Anastasia Evsigneeva along with a reception will follow in-person at Dunlop Art Gallery, Central Library

Join us for an artist talk and conversation with Leesa Streifler and guest curator, Wayne Baerwaldt. Anastasia Evsigneeva will perform "Art in Movement", a performative response to Leesa Streifler's exhibition "She is Present".

As one of Canada's preeminent feminist artists, Leesa Streifler's 40-year career has focused on experiences and representations of women, with her own lived experience at the core of her practice. In this series of mixed media drawings, she explores the aesthetics of women’s aging within a culture consumed with youthful beauty and agility. Through these powerfully drawn, expressive works Streifler fosters critical dialogue on bodily changes, ability, agency, sexuality, relationships, and memory to recognize strength and beauty at all ages and abilities. This exhibition is dedicated to Streifler’s mother, Sheila, who passed away in 2020.

Leesa Streifler received a BFA at the University of Manitoba and an MFA from Hunter College in New York. She taught in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Regina for over 30 years, influencing generations of art students. She has exhibited widely in Canada and internationally. She is passionate about feminism and art education, actively mentoring other artists through MAWA (Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art) in Winnipeg, MB. Streifler lives and works on Treaty One territory, on the original lands of the Anishanaabeg, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Nations, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

In partnership with Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery. With the generous support from the Manitoba Arts Council.

(Insert: Streifler headshot)(Insert: Streifler headshot)

Wayne Baerwaldt is a Canadian independent curator. His best-known projects trace performative elements in artmaking with an emphasis on unstable, disputed identities and the language of their construction. He has curated and co-curated numerous exhibitions including Ydessa Hendeles: Grand Hotel, If I May Digress: Richard Boulet, Glenn Ligon: Some Changes (with Thelma Golden) and Taras Polataiko: DEFIANCE,  among others.  He is a board member of The Hnatyshyn Foundation (Ottawa) and serves on the Advisory Board for participant inc. (New York).

Anastasia Evsigneeva is a multifaceted contemporary artist, dancer, and circus performer. In 2019, she earned her BA Honors in Dance from the Professional Program at the School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg. Since June 2020, Anastasia has thrived under the artistic mentorship of Robin Poitras and Edward Poitras through New Dance Horizons’ (NDH), Artist in Residency Program. This transformative experience has deeply enriched Anastasia’s artistic perspective, enhancing her understanding of creation, performance, production, and presentation.

On June 3 & 4, 2022, Anastasia self-produced and co-directed her first contemporary dance production, "Moving Roots: Reflections," in collaboration with Anna Protsiou. Presented at Théâtre Cercle Molière in Winnipeg, the show captivated audiences and led to a pivotal encounter with artist Leesa Streifler. Anastasia's solo piece, "ME-Error," along with other works featured in the production, resonated with Leesa, initiating a collaborative exploration of themes surrounding the female body and mind, aging processes, and societal influences.

Photo: Nardella Photography

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