Janet Dey | Magic

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Artist Talk with Janet Dey: Saturday, February 22, 4pm

The gallery is pleased to present an exhibition in the Reading Room of work by Janet Dey featuring her series entitled “Magic”. The exhibition is on in conjunction with “Illusions: The Art of Magic” on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario from February 22 – May 18, 2020.

In “Magic”, Dey draws attention to well-known magicians who charmed and captivated audiences, and whose stories have been retold time and time again. Compelled by their dark and mysterious minds, Dey hand-embroiders on enlarged modern prints of vintage photographs. Every stitch and knot in Dey’s design embellishes or further hides the identity of the subjects. Often masking entire faces leaving only their eyes visible, the work takes on a new story, a vision told from Dey’s perspective and left for the viewer to discover. The final artwork is unique, designed to last another several lifetimes. A rebellion against time.

The source photographs are from the collection of David Ben, writer, stage magician, performer, and magic collector.