2010 program brings Berlin-based artists Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani to OCADU
(Toronto — September 17, 2010) The Goethe-Institut Toronto and the Faculty of Art at OCAD University (OCADU) present the 2010 CROSSMEDIAL Artists Residency with Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani of Berlin from September 26 to October 3, with a free public talk on Thursday, September 30 at 6 p.m.
CROSSMEDIAL is committed to bringing leading-edge multi-media artists from Germany to OCADU and the Canadian arts community. CROSSMEDIAL artists cross different media platforms in their work while synergizing analogue and digital modes of studio production that illuminate interdisciplinarity, hybridity and critical engagement with the contemporary visual world. The residence is designed to bring visiting artists to Canada’s largest and oldest university of art and design, and engage them in dialogue with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty through public lectures, studio critiques, workshops and screenings. In 2008, the residence hosted Berlin-based multimedia artist Lillevan, and in collaboration with Yatra Arts, it sponsored a public talk and performance by Olaf Bender and Carsten Nicolai in 2009.
The Berlin-based art duo Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani use film, photography, mixed-media installations and architecture to explore failed utopias. Also holding professorships in Japan, Fischer and el Sani have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Gwangju Biennale, the International Istanbul Biennale and the Sonar Sound Festival Tokyo. They illuminate urban culture, layers of civilization, life and decay, before turning to something completely different.
“We are very pleased to partner with Goethe-Institute and co-host the residence of Fischer and el Sani in the Faculty of Art,” said Vladimir Spicanovic, Dean for the Faculty of Art. “We look forward to have these two internationally known artist-educators interact with our community, and see their residence as an opportunity to extend cross-cultural dialogue on the meaning of contemporary art practice.”
“The Goethe-Institut is known for initiating and establishing lasting relationships between the Canadian and German arts scenes,” explained Sonja Griegoschewski, Director of the Goethe-Institut Toronto. “Our residency program with OCAD University is a perfect example of how we develop these in-depth connections.”
CROSSMEDIAL Artists Residency 2010:
Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani
September 26 to October 3
Public lecture: Thursday, September 30, 6 p.m. (FREE)
OCAD University
Auditorium, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto
416-977-6000 | www.ocad.ca
Screening of Nina Fischer and Maroan el Sani’s film Sayonara Hashima:
Friday, October 1, 7 p.m. (FREE)
Japan Foundation
131 Bloor Street West, Toronto
About the Goethe-Institut Toronto
The Goethe-Institut Toronto (www.goethe.de/toronto) presents important positions, contemporary ideas and arts practices from Germany and Europe to Canadians. Our current focus themes are Culture & Economy, City & Climate, and German film & media art. We organise residencies together with our Canadian partners, offer international liaison work and consulting as well as promote European cultural understanding, e.g. through our cooperation with other European cultural institutes across Canada.
About OCAD University (OCADU)
OCAD University (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s “University of the Imagination.” The University, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.
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For more information, contact:
Jutta Brendemühl, Program Coordinator, Goethe-Institut Toronto
416.593.5257 Ext. 205
Sarah Mulholland, Media & Communications Officer
416.977.6000 Ext. 327 (mobile Ext. 1327)