This is Uncomfortable: Awkward Artistries

Human interactions are often laced with feelings of unease and awkwardness. How we manage these tensions determines our success in the public sphere. Everyone has faced situations that have made them feel uncomfortable and hyper-critical of their actions and appearance. While most people attempt to avoid these types of encounters, the video artists included in “This is uncomfortable”—which is curated by Arpi Kovacs and Gabrielle Moser (assistant editor of Canadian Art)—encourage them, and foster an environment that requires them.

Throughout this exhibition, viewers must accept their own discomfort in bearing witness to awkward encounters between artists and their subjects. (It’s only this acceptance that allows viewers to consider what these difficult emotions reveal.) In Kika Nicolela’s What do you think of me?, we see the gentle smile given by the artist as her unseen subjects (who are behind the camera filming her) describe their perceptions of her appearance. The work not only addresses the fear many people have about their character being superficially judged; it also points out the self-monitoring that is carried out in order to intercept possibly negative opinions. Nicolela gives up control to her video’s participants, braving the unpredictable and the possibility for discrimination. While the work has the potential to be an exercise in self-deprecation, the artist almost becomes a beacon of strength as she withstands the eyes of her onlookers.

Elizabeth Milton and Sheila Poznikoff’s St. Theresa’s Basement is another work that stands out for its ability to make viewers’ skin crawl with anxiety for its subjects. The three-channel work shows a group of middle-aged women as they prepare for their church group’s annual drama production with all the pageantry associated with a Broadway show. As they parade around in silly costumes and makeup, one cannot help but feel embarrassed for these women. There is a sense that one will be stronger if the emotions that arise while witnessing this work can be endured.

In each of the works presented, a gamut of emotions is experienced. At times, it feels as if you are infringing on a personal moment that should be stepped away from. However, if you can grapple with the various uncomfortable feelings that arise, an almost precious and introspective moment is created. The curators of the show have produced an atmosphere that embraces our unease, makes us feel connected with the artists and prompts us to admit to the humour present in such situations.

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