Busy busy!

So it's almost April and here at SPAO things are starting to pick up. Classes are almost finished but the hardest work is just beginning...

This past Friday, Mark Roussel came to speak to us about his experiences in New York; he had lived there and worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as teaching at the International Centre of Photography. A pinhole photographer, he discussed his work of photographing the Met and artworks within it, while working there as an image production associate. His website can be found here.

Also, this coming Monday, the first years are taking a trip to visit the print and drawing room at the National Gallery. Very exciting!

The launch for the new edition of Push/Pull, our school magazine, is going to be on April 10th, at La Petite Mort Gallery, from 7pm-10pm. We'll be selling editions of the magazine that night for $5 each, and we'll be doing he draw for our raffle that night as well. It'll be a really great time, so everyone should come out! More info about the magazine and event can be found here.

And of course, the countdown begins...27 days until Exhibition No. 5!

Mauricio Ortiz & The Block

Today the students of SPAO were treated to a visit and talk with Mauricio Ortiz, a fashion and travel photographer from Mexico City, living here in Ottawa. It was really interesting to hear his insights on "making it" in the photography business, and he gave us some great tips on how to get your name out there, especially in the international photography world. He also told us about some personal projects, as well as showing us some work that hadn't even been published yet! His website can be found here.

Today was also the final third year exhibition, The Block, which consisted of Matthew Higgins' work:

The Block by Matthew Higgins, documents in chilling detail, weapons made by the inmates of Kingston Penitentiary. Born of a fascination with prison life, this scanographic collection takes a look into the darkest corner of life behind bars. Through access to Kingston Pen’s evidence room, Higgins has documented the knives, pipe bombs, zip guns, and shivs made by convicts in all their alarming and fascinating detail. Many of these weapons have remarkable stories and as a group tell a tale of determination, desperation, violence and chilling creativity.

A extremely compelling series, it will be up until March 30th; viewing hours are Monday - Friday 10:00-18:00, and Saturday from 10:00-15:00.

Photo by Matthew Higgins.

THE BLOCK- Matthew Higgins- SOLO SERIES 2010

Artist: Matthew Higgins
Vernissage: Friday March 19th, 2010, 17:00 - 20:00
On View: March 19th - March 30th, 2010
Viewing hours: Mon - Fri 10:00 -18:00, Sat 10:00-15:00
Sundays and late evenings by appointment or by chance.



The Block by Matthew Higgins, documents in chilling detail, weapons made by the inmates of Kingston Penitentiary.
Born of a fascination with prison life, this scanographic collection takes a look into the darkest corner of life behind bars. Through access to Kingston Pen’s evidence room, Higgins has documented the knives, pipe bombs, zip guns, and shivs made by convicts in all their alarming and fascinating detail. Many of these weapons have remarkable stories and as a group tell a tale of determination, desperation, violence and chilling creativity.


The Red Wall Gallery is located in SPAO at 168 Dalhousie, at the corner of Bruyère, in the Byward Market.

For more info contact: 613.562.3824 or info@spao.ca

Metaphorical

Wesley Kirschner's Show