JAGA JAROSIEWICZ in A Space Windows (401 Richmond West) to September 4. 416-979-9683. Rating: NNN
don’t look to signage for clues about the authorship of the latest installation in A Space’s Windows, which operates as the artist-run centre’s members’ gallery. There isn’t any. The delicate monochromatic panels evoking abstract expressionist forms are, in fact, entirely made up of hand-painted script in various shades of grey and black on white. The work of Jara Jarosiewicz, who trained as a textile artist in her native Poland, these paintings retain a tapestry-like feel while tapping into some of the linguistic issues confronted by many adult immigrants.
The main A Space gallery is closed for August, and, in fact, most of the 401 Richmond complex feels like it’s half asleep. Still, Jarosiewicz’s compelling pieces stand up to the less-than-optimal hallway vitrine showcase, a spot that isn’t always kind to installations.
