Contemplating Change

Alison Shields, Farheen Haq, Gerry Ambers, Kosar Movahedi, Lajah Warren, Paolino Caputo, & Shawna Kiesman 

Exhibition dates: June 28 through September 6, 2025

Open Space Arts Society

Artists hold the creative ability to alter reality; to influence and shift the physical and metaphysical worlds. For many of us, change is unpredictable, unknown, stressful, and even frightening. But thriving in moments of change, artists create from the necessity to communicate an idea that is reshaped and reinterpreted. The artworks of seven influential local artists come together in exhibition to contemplate the meaning of change. Through their own individual practices, they allow their processes to be witnessed and exposed. The artworks carry with them the memories and possibilities of decision making and shifting ideas. By each stroke of a brush, stitch of a needle, click of a mouse, mark of a pen, and flip of a card, these seven artists share with us and with one another their interests and ways of connecting. They have embraced change not to be feared but to be encapsulated by and to allow the unpredictability of human intervention.

Photos by Kyra Kordoski, courtesy of Open Space Arts Society

Artists retain all copyrights of their works.

Learn more about the exhibition here.

Reflecting on Change

By Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé

I had the great honour of working with seven incredible local artists who each created new works to exhibit in Open Space’s newly renovated space. I began working at Open Space in early 2024 and had eagerly begun preparations for an exhibition set to open in the fall of that same year. But the dates came and went and no exhibition. The renovations to our building were extensive and as do most things, took longer than originally anticipated. But, there was a bright side to all of this! As a result, I was able to work with the artists individually and as a group to identify what it was that they wanted to present in the exhibition. 

Alison Shields’ Intertidal Zone 1, 2, 3, 4 draws upon the natural world as she adds layers upon layers of oil paint to depict the small and wondrous world of tidepools. Her expertise in the medium of painting and her indepth research allows her to create work that is both visually stimulating and contemplative. 

Farheen Haq brings audiences into her studio with an interactive installation that echoes the stitching circles she hosted for family and friends. Farheen has the unique ability to gather diverse individuals and guide them through deep and meaningful conversations that are reflected in Aadaab KELKE,IŁĆ (I pay my respects to you, Wild Rose). 

Gerry Ambers writes from the heart and soul and lets language find its way out in Letters from Star Child and Animal Break. In both English text as well as a language that is represented in symbols and figures, Gerry challenges herself to act as a portal and brings audiences with her on this journey. 

Kosar Movahedi’s strong curiosity of what could be, where, and how is a recipe for playful work that is both witty and deliberate in its delivery. Through elements of visually deceptive architecture, Kosar reinterprets space and functionality in Rehearsal.

Lajah Warren’s introspective and caring nature adds layers of reflection to her work with each stroke of a paintbrush. Mapping Our Becoming, Dancing With the Sky, and Rooting with the Tides ask audiences to ponder the changes within themselves and look towards the transformations they’ve undergone. 

Paolino Caputo has the inept ability to create art through intersectional discourse of play, queerness, ritual, disability, and desire. In Wander, Paolino invites audiences to step into a new world that reaches beyond the nostalgic and intimate feelings of home. 

Shawna Kiesman is no stranger to the complexities within Northwest Coast Formline Design. Mentored by Master Carvers, including Dempsey Bob, Shawna found a voice of her own in the practice and explored the transformative capabilities of animation with Lady Butterfly. 

A big thank you, Hay’sxw’qa, Tsin’įį Choh to Alison Shields, Farheen Haq, Gerry Ambers, Kosar Movahedi, Lajah Warren, Paolino Caputo, and Shawna Kiesman. Thank you for welcoming us all back into Open Space with a thoughtful, witty, and contemplative exhibition.