Grace Ezzati

Polygon Gallery Exploration 

The Polygon in North Vancouver, BC Canada, is a vibrant art institution that nurtures a lens of inquiry when responding to the shifting perceptions of the world. 

The space itself is open and welcoming and designed to fit a modern aesthetic. Its interior is everchanging, bright, and minimalist so that the viewer can better focus on the art presented in front of them. The Polygon is one of my favourite art spaces in my neighbourhood for its ability to champion local and international artists while being the heart of Lower Lonsdale. I feel lucky to be living in an inclusive and great artistic space for artists and pioneering youth artists. 

While the gallery is founded on donations, it functions both as a primary and secondary market space. Site-specific art is often dedicated and installed impermanently as part of exhibitions, and preexisting works from selected artists get, circulated through the gallery. Once in a while, the Polygon will hold auctions to promote featured artists and make sales. While the patrons decide to make investments, the auction prices reflect the world of the actual value of a work. This process subsequently reflects on the creators’ overall value as an artist. 

The Polygon Gallery’s newest exhibition series New Perspectives aims to reveal diverse perspectives, untold stories, and new voices in visual art. Interior Infinite explores masks, makeup, and costume as a form of hiding yet simultaneously revealing one’s identity. The featured artists communicate their interpretation of identity not of fixed and finite but both transforming and transformative. 

One of the most exciting pieces I came across was an artist’s video of Velour, a notable drag queen in the queer community. It has been an absolute delight to see more and more queer representation in public spaces and especially artistic spaces. While my foundational knowledge of the art world has strengthened with every visit, I am beginning to realise how big and small the art world is. 

One defining characteristic of the twenty-first century is the development of a new, radical attitude towards the creation and function of art. Diversity is being celebrated and embraced, so now the world can hear the long untold stories and voices in visual art. With the recent trips to local art galleries, I have noticed how it is becoming more common amongst artists to shed light on universal concepts like beauty and freedom with a critical eye. Artists of this era have shared respect towards individual peoples and cultures worldwide redefine the standard for inclusivity and the narrative of global issues.