Storm, 2020, mixed media on marbled paper, 76.2 × 61 cm, James McKellar, Photo courtesy of Patel Brown, L2022.77, © Rajni Perera
Rajni Perera: Futures
Nov 18, 2022 – May 7, 2023
About the Exhibition
Rajni Perera is one of Canada’s most promising contemporary multimedia artists. Experimenting with mediums as varied as painting, sculpture and photography, the Toronto-based artist expresses her vision of imagined futures in which mutated subjects exist in dystopian realms. Early examples of Perera’s mutated goddesses will be displayed in concert with her more recent abstractions and sculptures. Drawing deeply on the artistic traditions of her birthplace, Sri Lanka, as well as Indian miniature painting, medieval armour, and science fiction, Perera has created a body of work that spans feminist and diasporic themes, while contemplating survival in an environmentally degraded future. Her work responds to existential threats with creativity and invention, offering a vision charged with humour and sharp critique, hope and dread. Underscored by current global affairs and accelerated climate change, Perera’s vision is as timely as it is compelling.
Futures is curated by McMichael Chief Curator Sarah Milroy and includes works from all phases of the artist’s career, including new pieces made specifically for Perera’s McMichael exhibition. The accompanying publication features an interview of the artist by Milroy, as well as essays by leading international literary figures Fariha Roisin and Britt Wray.
Artist’s Talk – FUTURES
with Rajni Perera and Sarah Milroy
November 19, 2022
Exhibition Publication at the Gallery Shop
[L2022.88] Traveller 3, 2019 mixed media on paper 90.2 × 58.4 cm Michelle Bilodeau and Matthew Kingston Photo courtesy the artist and Patel Brown © Rajni Perera
Revenge 3, 2019, Polymer clay, aluminum, paint, leather, lace, “Ring For Truth” (solid cast bronze wearable unit), 14″ H x 10″ W x 5″ D, Patel Brown Gallery, © Rajni Perera
Traveller #5, 2019 mixed media on paper 152.4 × 101.6 cm Royal Bank of Canada Art Collection, commissioned by the RBC Curatorial Department Photo courtesy of Patel Brown L2022.72 © Rajni Perera
