Photographer Louis Helbig dicusses his work at the first OAG Confessions artist talk.
Story and photos by Kathleen Black
There’s a strong case to be made that Alexandra Badzak is exactly what the Ottawa arts scene need. She’s forward-thinking, collaborative, and believes in connecting art more directly to the life of the community. Since July, Badzak has been applying her beliefs as director of the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), spearheading projects to revitalize the OAG and enhance its community presence.
The latest example is the talk series called Confessions, where the public can engage with an artist in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
“This isn’t something where the artist is behind a lectern, with dim lights,” explains Badzak. “This is a conversation.”
The first of the series was held Wednesday, March 23, where aerial photographer Louis Helbig began his discussion, appropriately, by confessing to being a bit of a daredevil. He revealed that he flies his plane and takes his photos at the same time, using the interior of the plane as a tripod.
Helbig also spoke very charmingly of his previous career, one spent in cubicles and eventually abandoned in favor of his passions for flying and photography. The audience remained engaged throughout the session and asked many questions in at atmosphere that was very much like what Badzak had envisioned.
“Essentially, the Confessions series is a way of making a deeper connection with our community,” said Badzak. “We felt this was a really interesting way of establishing more intimate connections between artists and patrons.”
Badzak points out that idea for the series itself came about through discussion between the OAG and its artists during a re-visioning session in November.
“We had about 90 people from the arts community come out and we got lots of great feedback from that session,” Badzak says. “One [theme] that came out very strongly was the idea that the artists want a more direct connection with their audience.”
“There is that sense that people are drawn to art through the personality of the artist,” Badzak continued. “What they’re driven by, and why they’re driven to make the art that they make, is a great story.”
Helbig’s talk was held in the OAG Art Rental and Sales space located just inside ArtsCourt front doors, another subtle sign of Badzak’s more collaborative approach.
“Art Rental and Sales seemed separate and apart from the rest of the OAG, and I don’t believe in that,” said Badzak. “I believe that we need to break down the silos between the different departments because it’s really about the art experience.”
Badzak’s desire to forge new ground extends beyond the physical space of the OAG. She and colleagues are currently working on “something new, young, and risky, that hopes to breathe new life into the gallery,” she said.
“In the next little while, we’ll be seeing some growth in the OAG. So pay attention to us,” Badzak continued. “It’s gonna be exciting!”
Director Alexandra Badzak is leading a revitalized and more collaborative OAG.
