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April 20 – May 15, 2022

Mycelium: Interdependence in the Undergrowth

Tactile Mosaic

Ontario

Wy Joung Kou uses fungus artistically to touch on topics like grief and upheaval in this tactile exhibition.

Wy Joung Kou

Wy Joung Kou, Photo by Karyn Avalon

Overview

This mosaic reflects the thriving ecology and abundance of life in places seemingly full of decay and stillness. It highlights the growth patterns, movement, beauty and commotion created by the interdependent organisms that exist all around the forest floor’s detritus. It captures a snapshot of the creatures who make homes in the undergrowth, taking time to create places of belonging in seemingly inhospitable spaces. The symbiosis surrounding life, death and transformation in environments like these suggests that when we move together through grief and upheaval – like the fall and decay of a tree — we might find a new home for all of us; a place held tight in the arms of the mycelium. This is a tactile exhibit, and patrons are encouraged to touch the mosaic. 

About Wy Joung Kou

Wy Joung Kou is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto (Treaty 13 Territory) with a practice rooted in frameworks of disability justice. Their body of work spans mosaic, poetry, sound, movement, performance, video and installation. Kou is the Associate Artistic Director of ReDefine Arts, a performing member of Raging Asian Womxn Taiko Drummers, the inaugural winner of a JRG Grant for Artists with Disabilities (2018) and an ILGBT Artist Residency alum.

Accessibility Information

  • The Marilyn Brewer Community Space in the Main Building is wheelchair accessible. Please note the ramp leading into the Marilyn Brewer Community Space from the Main Building lobby is quite steep, and ramp attendants will be available during event times to assist. 
  • This is a tactile exhibit, and patrons are encouraged to touch the mosaic. 
  • Audio Description, including the artist bio, artist statement and image description, will be available on-site via QR code. Volunteers will be available to assist with QR code access during building hours. A smartphone and headphones are required for QR code access. A limited number of devices will be available for guests to borrow if needed.
  • A braille book will be available with information about the exhibit. Braille books and borrowed equipment for Audio Description access can be picked up at the Information Desk in the Main Building lobby during gallery hours. 

Venue

Marilyn Brewer Community Space

235 Queens Quay West
Toronto ON M5J 2G8

Keywords Public Art