Bonavista Biennale 2019: FLOE attracts visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador for month-long art event

20 leading contemporary artists confirmed to participate in multi-site visual art experience across Bonavista Peninsula, August 17 - September 15

TORONTO, February 25, 2019 — Bonavista Biennale: FLOE brings art-lovers into the heart of the Northeast Atlantic coastline, presenting an exhibition of contemporary artworks by leading Canadian, Indigenous, and international artists in outport communities across the Bonavista Peninsula. The month-long event happens every two years, and FLOE brings the perspectives of 20 different artists together for a multi-site art experience that allows for visitor engagement with the spectacular coastal landscape. A downloadable exhibition map will guide viewers through a 100-kilometre loop on the Bonavista Peninsula, allowing everyone to plan their own creative journey to view the sites. Visitors are encouraged to plan at least two full days to take in the exhibition, explore communities, and local attractions.

Three notable artists to watch at Bonavista Biennale: FLOE include: Jordan Bennett (2018 Sobey Art Award shortlist), Meagan Musseau (2018 Hnatyshyn Foundation Emerging Atlantic Artist and Emerging Artist of the Year by Visual Arts Newfoundland), and Wanda Koop (Member of the Order of Canada).

“Geodesic, geological, aquatic and structural are terms that describe some of the artworks in Bonavista Biennale 2019. Nomad, Afronaut, cheerleader and storyteller describe the artists behind the work. This year’s show promises to be a stimulating floe of ideas.” - Catherine Beaudette, Artistic Director and Curator, Bonavista Biennale

Newfoundland, while geographically isolated, marks a significant space of cultural exchange because of its location on migratory and trade routes. Ktaqmkuk, the Mi’kmaq word for Newfoundland, is traditional unceded Mi’kmaw territory that became part of the routes connecting North America to Europe. The sites of the Biennale trace this passage, and present artworks that resonate with distinct qualities of place. ​ FLOE (re)considers the history of exchange, while acknowledging the histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of the province. The curators of Bonavista Biennale: FLOE are Catherine Beaudette (2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects), David Diviney (Art Gallery of Nova Scotia), and Matthew Hills (Grenfell Art Gallery, Memorial University of Newfoundland).

The 2017 exhibition included over 150 works by 26 different artists, with more than 20 communities and organizations partnering as site and event hosts. Selected as one of Canadian Art’s “20 Shows We Want To See in 2017”, the Biennale won Hospitality Newfoundland’s Cultural Tourism Award for 2017, and advanced the Peninsula’s reputation as a leading international cultural destination.

Bonavista Biennale 2019 receives support from Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, from corporate and community partners including Fishers’ Loft, the Bell Group and Bonavista Living, private foundations and individual donors.

Bonavista Biennale: FLOE

FREE
​Saturday, August 17 - Sunday, September 15
​Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador
​Exhibition sites are located in outport communities: Duntara, King’s Cove, Knight’s Cove, Bonavista, Elliston, Port Union, Catalina, Champney’s West, Port Rexton, Trinity

Participating Artists

Jordan Bennett - Ktaqamkuk (NL)
​Bob Blumer - USA
​Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons - Cuba/USA
​Ian Carr-Harris & Yvonne Lammerich - Ontario
​Kym Greeley - Newfoundland and Labrador
​Robert Hengeveld - Newfoundland and Labrador
​Anna Hepler - USA
​Jason Holley - Newfoundland and Labrador
​Thaddeus Holownia - New Brunswick
​Barb Hunt - Manitoba
​Mark Igloliorte - Nunatsiavut (NL)
​Wanda Koop - Manitoba
​Meagan Musseau - Ktaqamkuk (NL)
​Sean Patrick O’Brien - USA
​Paulette Phillips - Nova Scotia
​Meghan Price - Ontario
​Jerry Ropson - Newfoundland and Labrador
​Camille Turner - Ontario
​D’Arcy Wilson - Atlantic Canada

Bonavista Biennale is a project of 2 Rooms Contemporary Art Projects, a platform for temporary installations, exhibitions, and events on the Bonavista Peninsula of Newfoundland.

Tat Read

Tat Read

Partner, The Knot Group

 

 

 

About Bonavista Biennale

The Bonavista Biennale launched in 2017, inspired by Canadian Heritage’s call for projects to recognize and celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. Located on the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland, the Bonavista Biennale is a bi-annual, rural-based art initiative with a unique approach and significant presence in the Canadian cultural landscape. It is committed to bringing high-calibre, professional, national and international contemporary art to the local area. The Bonavista Biennale’s mission is to make a positive cultural, economic and social impact on the Bonavista Peninsula through curatorial excellence in the presentation of contemporary visual art. The Biennale is a unique and inspiring project that provides direct cultural, social and economic benefits to the communities and people of the Peninsula; and contributes to access to and advancement of contemporary art and artists in the province and across the country. Visit bonavistabiennale.com or follow @bbiennale.

Contact

bonavistabiennale.com