Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival Installation on Now at PAMA Showcases the New Canadian Experience

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) is pleased to launch its first open-air exhibition featuring three monumental photographic works by emerging artist Zinnia Naqvi. The series, titled Yours to Discover, investigates the immigrant experience through historic family photographs of excursions to quintessential Canadian landmarks, board games, DVD’s and toys from the 1980s. Memory, nostalgia and ideas about Canadian-ness converge to create innovative and engaging living pictures or tableau vivant.

The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival features outstanding works at leading galleries, museums, arts venues and public spaces across Metro Toronto. Zinnia Naqvi: Yours to Discover is one of over 200 lens-based exhibitions on display during the month of May and part of the Core Exhibition program of the 2019 festival

Zinnia Naqvi, The Wanderers – Niagara Falls, 1988, 2019. Courtesy of the artist

“Naqvi’s newly commissioned work provides us, the viewer, with an opportunity to look at ourselves and the communities we are a part of and probe what it means to be a Canadian – what experiences define us and how do we identify ourselves within a multi-cultural nation,” notes PAMA senior curator of art Darrin Martens.

Naqvi’s images reflect a shared reality for many people living in Peel Region; Stats Canada’s 2016 data states that 51.5 per cent of Peel’s population are immigrants, 73.3 per cent of Brampton’s population are visible minorities, and 35.5 per cent of Peel’s recent immigrants were born in India. The city boasts 234 distinct ethnic backgrounds and is one of the most diverse communities in Canada.

On May 19 at 2 p.m. Ms. Naqvi will be at PAMA to officially open her exhibition. She will give a talk at 3 p.m. All are welcome. Advance registration is recommended, reserve your spot now. A FREE bus from Toronto to Brampton is also available, please contact zzg-pamaartgallery@peelregion.ca for information and to reserve your spot.

Zinnia Naqvi: Yours to Discover is presented in partnership with the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival. This project is sponsored by the City of Brampton Community Grant Program and Friends of PAMA.

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street, East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca or call 905-791-4055 to learn more.