Walking Alongside Trauma

January 16 – February 28, 2025 

Opening Reception: January 16, 2025  – 4:30 to 6:30pm 

A material-based exhibition exploring the societal impact of vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence. The exhibit examines the various impacts of the vicarious traumatization of sexualized violence (VTSV) on society, particularly for those who interact directly with survivors’ trauma (e.g., crisis support workers, family members, health care workers, educators, peers, etc.), who we refer to as “Witnesses”. Thirteen material-based artists have worked with these individuals to translate their experience into objects that will be on display. 

Urban Ruptures: Glitched Realities is a collaboration of artists Dizz and PJ.  Merging the ink and animation work of PJ with the glitch work of Dizz, their goal is to explore and push the degradation and rebuilding of images and motion .To quote Dizz “I continuously seek to push the boundaries of conventional artistic techniques, inviting viewers to experience the beauty and complexity that arises from the convergence of art, technology and human perception.”  

Each image will serve as a trigger when looked at through Augmented Reality app Artivive (free app) either showing an animation, playing sounds or showing the process behind each image to add another layer of depth and interaction further playing on the idea of merging traditional mediums with a digital interface.

Images that are finished digitally have been printed onto thin metal plates. Other images will be on canvas prepared for gallery hanging as well.  

We hope you enjoy this fusion of two artists, two mediums, and two technologies.

Written by: Ernest Kwasi Amponsah
Directed by: Stephen Yaw Oppong

Etnasa, an African agrarian kingdom, had been enjoying peace and prosperity, with people going about their normal duties until calamity struck. In King Musu’s insatiable quest to uncover the root cause of this calamity, hidden truths about the inescapable will of the gods come to light. Partially sponsored by the Public Scholars Initiative and the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of British Columbia, the play had its premiere production outside Ghana from April 11–14, 2024.

King Musu employs the African Total Theatre form—a vibrant blend of African storytelling, music, dance, and drama—and offers a memorable, interactive experience for the audience. This innovative approach marks a significant departure from standard Western realistic theatre. Featuring a predominantly African cast, this production promises to deliver a historic and enriching experience for Metro Vancouver audiences during 2025 Black History Month.