BlackFlash - April 2019

Editorial by Maxine Proctor, Managing Editor

Hardly Scraps: ASMR, Empathy, and Self-Care by Karie Liao
When discussing the work of Yuula Benivolski (ON), Karie Liao (ON) drawns on the cultural significance and healing properties of ASMR.

Hot Spells: Image and Environment in the Work of Laura St. Pierre by Rose Bouthillier
Rose Bouthillier (SK) examines the work of Laura St. Pierre (SK) in conjunction with how their communities are dealing with dramatic change and the uncertainty of the future; ecological devastation, cultural upheaval, and the endlessly exhausting effects of colonialism.

The Visionary: Jessica Eaton’s Alternate Reality by Saelan Twerdy
Saelan Twerdy illustrates how Jessica Eaton is driven to capture an alternate vision of reality, awaken our perceptions, and subsequently explore the abstract governance of our socio-economic landscape and digital culture.

Between Reach and Grasp: The Eros Portfolio by Steven Beckly
Steven Beckly’s (ON) photographic practice balances organic life and technological tools, illustrating the fine equilibrium that is necessary to live in a world that prioritizes rigid individuality over kinship intimacy.

Luther Konadu and Pao Houa Her in Conversation
Luther Konadu (MB) and Pao Houa Her (MN) share their personal experiences photographing their families, communities, and themselves. Through this conversation, they explore the binary between actively seeking change and at the same time grappling with a nostalgia for home and tradition.

Archiving Affection: Randy Grskovic’s Dangerous Times by Rebecca Travis
Rebecca Travis (ON) interviews Toronto-based artist Randy Grskovic’s (ON) about his project Dangerous Times. .

Tough Guy Mountain: Hypercapitalism in the Digital Realm by Paige Adrian
Paige Adrian (SK) explores Tough Guy Mountain’s (ON) use of humour and the uncanny experience of Virtual Reality to showcase how labour and wealth is controlled in our contemporary economy.