SNEAK PEEK: Winnipeg's Window
A tiny space responds to big issues with a little joy.
Winnipeg's Window exhibits “Sequel to Bond,” 2019, by Iyunade Judah (left) and “When she asked me why I left,” 2020, by Glodi Bahati.
It’s probably the smallest exhibition space in Western Canada, even among the subset of window galleries. But Winnipeg’s aptly named Window punches above its size with a culturally inclusive curatorial vision.
Joy is more than just a feeling gives space to Black artists from July 16 to July 27 amidst a summer of pandemic isolation and anti-racism protests with photographs by Winnipeg-based Iyunade Judah and Glodi Bahati.
Judah, originally from Nigeria, focuses on the Black diasporic experience.
“I found out that there’s almost no identity for me and a lot of people like me. I make use of imaginary narratives, such as reincarnation … to convey a message which might be on sexuality, history, identity or love.”
Bahati was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised as a refugee in Uganda after fleeing civil war in her homeland. Just 20, she says she is inspired by the women around her, as well as street, conceptual and fashion photography.
Ekene Maduka, an emerging artist who co-curated the duo with Mahlet Cuff, an interdisciplinary artist, calls the installation a “love letter” that reminds us of the many-sided narratives of Black communities.
And Cuff emphasizes the importance of self-care amidst the community's pain at witnessing violence and discrimination.
"I know for myself and the ways I have been able to digest everything that has happened, it is to take time to process, think and rest."
Window is an outdoor artist-run space at the Artspace Building in Winnipeg's Exchange District. ■
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