There wasn’t much discussion about having more park benches, more public washrooms or improved public transit – what some consider the meat and potatoes of becoming an age-friendly city.
But the opening of “Artful Aging” on Saturday at The Boarding House Gallery did provoke discussion about ageism, body image and the passage of time and underscored the fact that seniors have much to contribute long after they have retired.
Population predictions indicate that by 2031, 33 per cent of Guelph’s population will be made of seniors. So the city had devised an Older Adult Strategy and is beginning to act on its recommendations.
The art exhibit was designed to increase the dialogue around aging and draw attention to the city’s strategy.
“It’s not something people want to talk about but it’s important to consider things that are affected by aging,” said Gary Young, who curated the show. He said he approached individual artists in addition to a general call for art in putting the exhibition together.
“The process revealed the magnitude of the subject and it’s huge,” he said. “Connecting the conversation with the visual arts is the goal.”
Wayne Harbin is a retired electrician who picked up a paint brush and easel just a few years ago.
He loves it, in fact he becomes consumed by it when he has a subject in mind. And as a self-taught artist very new to the game, he considers himself lucky to have work hanging beside pieces by “real” artists, he said.
“I guess my message is that you can do anything no matter what your age,” he said.
Grazyna Adamska-Jarecka had four pieces in the exhibit that examined the issue of aging, insecurity and longing for comfort.
“We have to get out of the negative vision of aging and not just focus on youth,” she said. “I want to see aging in a positive way and my paintings are about this. Art cannot erase the problem but it can evoke the emotions. And that may inspire change.”
In addition to a series of photographic close-up sketches of an aging body, Maureen Ellis also did a performance piece at the launch called Bind, in which she talked about having an old lady neck, flabby biceps, varicose veins, and other age-related body flaws.
As she spoke she wrapped those parts with black ribbon. By the end she was almost completely covered.
“There are good things about aging,” she went on to say. “I say what I think now. I have no tolerance for hypocrisy. And I can make choices – I know what’s important.”
“I love arts and culture as a way to remove barriers and have conversations,” said Manon Germain, project specialist with Age-Friendly Guelph. “We might not talk about women’s bodies and aging but through the arts, we can.”
In all, there are 23 pieces by eight artists in the show, which runs until Nov. 26.
For more information visit www.guelph.ca/agefriendly.