Sarindar Dhaliwal, Brendan Fernandes,
Rafael Goldchain, Jérôme Havre, Luis Jacob,
Esmond Lee, Julius Poncelet Manapul,
Sanaz and Mani Mazinani, Divya Mehra,
Zinnia Naqvi, José Luis Torres, 2Fik, Blue Republic,
Diana Yoo, Jinny Yu, Z'otz* Collective
Yonder

Exploring themes of intercultural translation, displacement and identity construction, this exhibition brings together a group of Canadian artists from diverse cultural backgrounds whose works examine the immigrant condition. Comprising recent and new works in a variety of media, including site-specific installations, Yonder approaches the notion of immigration through a process of “personal sociology,” moving from an investigation of subjective inquiries to larger questions and shared experiences. Following its recent installation at the Koffler Gallery and Artscape Youngplace, the project crosses beyond the borders of the University of Waterloo Art Gallery into the broader space of the Fine Arts Department, engaging shared public areas in East Campus Hall as well as the building’s exterior.

Offering many voices and perspectives, the works invite a deep reflection on the dislocations and adaptations triggered by the complex decision to uproot oneself and to cross borders, reaching for a yonder home. Drawing upon their own narratives as first or second generation Canadians, the artists consider the spaces between spoken and encountered languages, relinquished and adoptive homelands, idiosyncratic and historic timelines. By foregrounding these intimate presentations over globalizing political positions, the exhibition aims to generate a meaningful dialogue between artworks and audiences, offering visitors points of resonance to make connections with their own individual narratives.

— Mona Filip and Matthew Brower, Co-Curators