This retrospective of self-portrait & portrait photos explores themes of isolation, (dis)connection, transformation, grief, and autonomy in resistance to cisheteropatriarchy.

Taken during multiple waves of the pandemic, it explores the “self” as an ongoing process of discovery, reflecting and at times – rejecting – forces that influenced how and if the artist self-expresses and accepts the truest self. The photos are a curation from a now defunct private social media page of the artist.
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The exhibit also begets ethical questions surrounding consent, trust, privacy and responsibility of both viewer and sharer, when engaging in social media platforms.
At what point does the viewer become voyeur?
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Content warning: Some pieces may discuss themes of institutional & interpersonal violence, mental health, body-image, sexism, & homophobia, trauma and chronic illness.

Limits of the exhibit:
- Limited to guests 18 and older.
- NO photo or video recording allowed in the gallery or of any pieces or writings showcased. Viewers do not have consent to document the exhibit in any form. You may be asked to limit cellphone use while in the gallery.

Price: Pay what you can at the door or e-transfer

Dates:
Saturday June 17th 2023, 12-5pm
Sunday June 18th 2023, 12-5pm

Location: Sweet Action Theatre Company

Located in Artscape Youngplace at180 Shaw St #106, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5

On the first floor right across from the elevator.

Unfortunately, Sweet Action Theatre is not fully physically accessible for wheelchair or all mobility devices.

Accessibility of Artscape Youngplace from artscapeyoungplace.ca/contact-us/:

Artscape Youngplace is fully accessible by Ontario standards, with a wheelchair ramp at the 180 Shaw Street doors, an elevator servicing every floor and a fully accessible washroom on every level.

The nearby 63 Ossington bus on the TTC is wheelchair accessible.

About the artist: Melissa G. (she/her) is an artist, clown, improviser, writer and creative based in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, originally from Tkaronto/Toronto. She is proudly queer and proudly bisexual.

Melissa is forever curious, particularly about the relationship between viewer and viewed, and the impacts of consumerist culture on human connection. Like a true clown, she knows the “flop” will come and is trying be less afraid to fall.
Melissa cares deeply about community, authenticity and joy.
For every person that visits the exhibit, Melissa will donate $1 towards The Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto.