VISUAL ARTS
BALINT ZSAKO: BLOOD ORANGE examines questions of control and selfdetermination. The New York-based artist wanted to look at these complicated contemporary issues through the representation of converging bodies. The watercolour paintings on paper depict groupings of figures that interact and intersect. Rendered in everything from bright hues to grey monochromes, the figures change colour or density in the areas where they overlap. Birch Contemporary (129 Tecumseth St., 416-365-3003). Until Oct. 14. FAR AND NEAR: THE DISTANCE(S) BETWEEN US brings together several generations of Canadian artists of Chinese descent, offering perspectives into the Chinese Canadian community’s historical and cultural evolutions and developments. Don’t miss the video screening of works by Jennifer Chan, Richard Fung, Brenda Joy Lem, Ho Tam, Lisa Wong and Wayne Yung, followed by a Q&A this Friday from 7-9 p.m. Hart House (7 Hart House Cir., 416-978-1838). Until Oct. 29. FERMENTING FEMINISM, CURATED BY LAUREN FOURNIER Kombucha, guts, bacteria, vessels, vitalism, effervescence, degradation and decay. This exhibit brings together artists whose work fleshes out the intersections between fermentation and intersectional feminisms. It has taken different forms: beginning as a publication, it has evolved into site-specific exhibitions, installations and screenings in Toronto, Berlin, Copenhagen and Kansas City. Opening reception tonight from 6-9 p.m. Critical Distance (180 Shaw St., Suite #302, 647930-6930). Until Nov. 26. HARD TWIST 12: YARN is a show of textile-based art, with artists spinning a tale without words, but with thread. Hard Twist has become an important event in the Canadian textile art community and a signature event for the Gladstone. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635). Until Jan. 7. IN SEARCH OF LINES is a project meant to map out the different parts of the journey Syrian newcomers have undertaken that finally lead them to Toronto. The project, through film, photography, sculpture and painting, is meant to illustrate the diverse experiences of six individuals as they venture through familiar and unfamiliar places. Opening this Friday at 6:30 p.m., so join for opening ceremonies and refreshments. Riverdale Hub (1326 Gerrard St. E., 416-465-6021). This weekend. MAKING PEACE TORONTO presents the work of more than 100 photographers and artists. It pays tribute to people who devote their time, energy and resources to the cause of peace. Displayed along Front St. E., between Cooperage St. and Corktown Common. Making Peace Pop-up Gallery (482 Front St. E., Toronto.makingpeace.org). Until Sept. 24. NORTHERN TOUCH: THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE DESIGNED IN CANADA offers a small window into the national studios, facilities and labs where innovation in design and technology has taken place. Canadian makers, designers, tinkerers and startups continue to push the envelope, changing the landscapes of where and how we live, eat, work, learn and play. Design Exchange (234 Bay St., 416-363-6121). Until Sept. 24. ONSITE GALLERY’S GRAND OPENING AND STREET PARTY Celebrate Canada’s best Indigenous art, culture and music at the grand opening of OCAD U’s Onsite Gallery with two must-see exhibitions. The street party will feature live performances, well-known Indigenous artists and remarks by political and community leaders. Onsite Gallery 199 Richmond St. W., 416-977-6000). Saturday, 12-6 p.m. SKATE GIRLS OF KABUL British photographer Jessica Fulford-Dobson travelled to Afghanistan to document young girls participating in a program called Skateistan — an international NGO founded in 2009 in Kabul to provide girls with a place to skate safely and a route into education. Her engaging photographs deftly undermine cultural, religious and gender stereotypes. Aga Khan Park (77 Wynford Dr., North York, 416-6464677). Until Oct. 8. SKIN DEEP, SKIMMING THE PAGES This group show explores the techniques with which artists approach the centuriesold subject matter of the human figure in the digital age. It highlights dialogue between art history and the here-and-now, reinventing the erotic classicism of the past. Opening this Sunday from 5-7 p.m. Drake One Fifty (150 York St., 416-3636150). Until Sept. 1, 2018. UNTAMED THINGS Eleven bush-trekking Canadian artists retrace the journeys of one of Canada’s greatest painters in a year-long project culminating in this exhibition. It commemorates the 100th anniversary of Tom Thomson’s death. Arta Gallery (14 Distillery Lane, 416-3642782). Until Tuesday.