Harbourfront Centre presents a series of exhibitions that will brighten up your January.

‘Revisiting Sycorax’, an installation by Charmaine Lurch, shines light on the unseen character Sycorax, the mother of Caliban, in Shakespeare’s play, ‘The Tempest’. ‘On Any Given Day II’, curated by Melanie Egan, debuts four artists-in-residence and ‘Everyday Lighting II’, curated by Senior Designer-in-Residence Kate Tessier, will present works that incorporate delicate and bright illumination. The ‘Amik’ table and chair, designed and produced by artist Caroline Monnet in collaboration with Humble Nature, are inspired by an Anishinaabe story of the strong and wise beaver of the same name.

‘Revisiting Sycorax’ in the BIG Vitrine

‘Revisiting Sycorax’ is a sculpted wire figure that comes out of Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’, and conjures an errant entrance into a new landscape. She is a supernatural force, formed from an accumulation of twists and coils of wire. Tactile visual forms intertwine race, science, and art to craft a resonant hum; a toned and visceral perspective; a ruckus and audible language. Within her torso, lines, and spirals, reminiscent of DNA strands re-construct a sense of ancestral bodies and a present day resilient female subject.

‘On Any Given Day II’ in the East Vitrines

This exhibition introduces four of our newest artists-in-residence who are bringing fresh outlooks to the fore by creating work that speaks to the complexities of engaging with creative practice on any given day. Their fluency and intent with materials married to strong ideas is emboldened in an environment dedicated to supporting new perspectives that add to the expansive conversation within contemporary craft and design practice.

‘Everyday Lighting II’ in the South Vitrines

Lighting is all around us day and night. It can take many forms and be used for many purposes. This exhibition literally shines with lighting projects created by the curator and artists in the Craft & Design Studio. Using ceramics, glass, textiles, metal and the ingenuity of curator Kate Tessier, the artists challenge pre-established notions of what materials are and what lighting can do. The results are whimsical, poetic and practical.

‘Amik’ at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

January 17 to March 24, 2024

The sleek curves of the Amik table and chair are inspired by an Anishinaabe story of the strong and wise beaver of the same name, known for creating the sloping hills of the Outaouais region after slapping its tail against the earth. Designed and produced by artist Caroline Monnet in collaboration with Québec-based furniture and architectural product maker Humble Nature, the handmade collection reinterprets the tale using locally sourced ash wood. A twist on the classic mid-century modern lounge chair typically intended for one person alone, Amik is designed to be, in the artist’s words, a “multigenerational place of gathering” and an immersive sculpture that invites visitors of all ages to sit, read, rest, play or simply be together.

This presentation is made possible with the support of Humble Nature. For further information please visit: www.humblenature.com

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The opening reception for ‘ILLUMINATE at Harbourfront Centre’ coincides with the DesignTO Launch Party on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 7-11pm. Tickets are required to enter the building during this time.

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‘On Any Given Day II’ and ‘Everyday Lighting II’ can be viewed during Harbourfront Centre’s open hours.

‘Revisiting Sycorax’ can be viewed 24/7 from the exterior of the building.