Territories 2.0
Jan 20
Apr 02 2023
DesignTO projectexhibition in-person

Located in Sugar Beach Park – North, a dark cube houses miniature landscapes by artist Olivier Roberge depicting a natural environment that has been transformed by human intervention and climate change.

‘Territories 2.0’ is a cube-shaped pavilion studded with scintillating luminous perforations like stars, beckoning us to approach to discover what it contains. When entering the pavilion, bathed in the light of a starry sky, viewers are plunged into an immersive environment inhabited by miniaturized landscapes. Suspended in space and time, the landscapes also reveal scattered billboards depicting different kinds of fires and different perspectives on the land. In these miniature worlds, billboards and graffiti are a means of communication and expression.

This collision of symbols alludes to capitalist interests perpetrated by consumerism as well as the need for individual expression that counterbalance them. Could the fiery visuals appearing on the boards be a sign of destruction of the natural landscape or of a hope of regeneration?

Olivier Roberge makes miniature landscapes through which he gives shape to poetic worlds where bucolic nature and technology meet; imagination and lucidity; past, present and future. His work questions our relationship to nature and our understanding of the world. He has exhibited at Caravansérail artist-run centre in Rimouski, Université de Montréal art gallery, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

‘Territories 2.0’ is co-produced with Mathieu Fecteau and EXMURO arts publics, a non-profit organization whose mandate is to design, create and disseminate contemporary art projects in public spaces. The artwork is part of the EXMURO arts publics circulation program, supported by Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the City of Québec.


The free Toronto presentation of ‘Territories 2.0’ is organized by DesignTO. This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and the Waterfront BIA, and supported by the School of Design at George Brown College.

DesignTO brings people together to design a better future, one that is more sustainable, just, and joyful. We curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design, and hope to embolden all Canadians to participate in making a future where people and planet are thriving again.

Participants

Olivier Roberge

Acknowledgements

Accessibility

Who should visitors contact with questions regarding accessibility?
Robyn Wilcox
Is this venue accessible by wheelchair or similar mobility devices? This includes access to washrooms and all aspects of programming/events.
Yes
Are designated parking spots for persons with disabilities close to the entrance of the building?
Yes
Can people get to the venue using accessible transit?
Yes
Set in a park, a path leads into a dark box with glass cases and small holes emitting light.
‘Territories 2.0’ by Olivier Roberge, photo by Stéphane Bourgeois
Set in a park, a path leads into a dark box with glass cases and small holes emitting light.
‘Territories 2.0’ by Olivier Roberge, photo by Stéphane Bourgeois
Diorama of rocky terrain with people in red outfits moving yellow barrels.
‘Territories 2.0’ by Olivier Roberge, photo by Olivier Roberge