Paper tigers
Adam Volk
Chinatown Remixed blends commerce and culture at month-long exhibit
Chinatown has long been a source of inspiration here in Ottawa, yet the winding stretch of Somerset is primarily known for its locally run shops and array of delicious Asian restaurants. Now, the long established community is adding a new element to its cultural repertoire thanks to the second annual Chinatown Remixed. The month-long event pairs 40 Chinatown businesses with 50 local artists, encouraging visitors to support independent shops and take in the unique visual works.Photographer Mimi Richard-Golding, for example, was matched with the popular Mekong restaurant on Somerset. "It's important for people to interact with [different cultural] communities, even if it's one you don't normally see on an everyday basis," says Golding. "You don't have to be from one particular culture to give your support."
It's a sentiment shared by local artist Nicole Beaumont, whose work is featured at Tin Bo Travel. Beaumont created a series of paintings in honour of the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Her painting Tigress, for example, is a breathtaking and textured Asian-inspired work which depicts a lithe cat on the prowl. "I actually learned quite a bit about tigers from the [Tin Bo] owners while setting up," says Beaumont. "It's been a great experience."
The interactivity of many of the exhibits on display has also created a unique form of community participation, a theme which husband and wife visual artists Andrew and Deborah O'Malley took to heart when designing their own contribution at the Oriental
Charm Gift Store. The two created a series of computer-coded LED light boxes which display a variety of symbols, texts and animations. Passersby are also invited to send messages via Twitter which are transmitted directly to the boxes."We really wanted to use technology to engage the community," says Andrew, with Deborah adding that it's perhaps fitting that most of their equipment was manufactured in Asia and purchased at the local dollar store. "You can't beat anything that's made in China," she laughs.
Chinatown Remixed
@ Various locations along Somerset, until June 8
www.ottawachinatown.ca
| Paintings etc., "Tigress" @ Chinatown Remixed |
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Thanks for coming by Adam and the great review of why people should visit Chinatown! I had a great time participating this year at Tin Bo Travel (Somerset, between Bronson and Percy).
NicoleArt.ca
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Nicole Beaumont
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| Twitter boxes @ Chinatown Remixed |
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You can add your message to the LED display archive via Twitter w/ the tag: #CTRM
Thanks for the great review!
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Andrew OMalley
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