The Ebb and Flow of Process Opening Reception

Join us for the opening reception of 'The Ebb and Flow of Process', a solo exhibition by Ashley Sandham. Ashley's exhibition is the result of this year's Emerging Artist Studio Program. The exhibition will run from June 11th until July 6th.

Ashley conveys through her oil paintings a sense of what it is like to work through different states of gender dysphoria. Her figures use heavily gendered colours hinting at various states of identity questioning and experience. Dysphoria itself ebbs and flows like a tide and the horizontal lines in the background lend itself to this concept creating a moody atmosphere representing how dysphoria’s intensity can fluctuate and change but never really goes away. Each painting interconnects narratively to explore questioning, states of dysphoria, and the evolution of gender identity.

These pieces are mirror-like, a self representation of what Ashley’s relationship with gender has been. These figures are spiritual avatars and while they may be a self representation, her decision to keep them figurative allows the audience room to step into her shoes and explore their relationship with their identity and gender.

The Figure Drawing programs and classes at TAP were available to Ashley for subject exploration, work development, and drawing practice. Understanding the importance of continuing to challenge herself and learn from her peers, Ashley immersed herself in the drawing opportunities at TAP. Processing these works on paper and taking those studies to larger canvas has been a way to evaluate ideas of the self and how others view us. Ashley also engaged in the other presentations and programs at TAP, whether it was viewing a 16 mm film series, joining in a networking event, or attending an exhibit reception; she took these valuable opportunities to be inspired and motivated by the other artists and the art forms around her. Finding connection and community provided the support for artistic growth and creative development.

About The Artist

Ashley has been a resident of London, Ontario since 2011. Before that point, she had lived in the smaller municipality known as Tillsonburg. As a queer youth, this was not an easy endeavor by any means. In April 2022, she became a graduate of the Fine Art Advanced Diploma at Fanshawe College.  In August 2023, she began the emerging artist residency here at TAP Centre for Creativity which allowed her to continue to develop as a visual artist.

About the Emerging Artist Studio Program

The Emerging Artist Studio Program was designed to provide an opportunity for London’s up-and-coming creators to explore their art with financial and community support. The program provides emerging artists with one year of 24/7 access  to a private studio, a materials budget, marketing support, mentorship and community. At the end of their term, the artists present a solo exhibition in TAP’s gallery to showcase a body of work developed during their residency.