JAMES FOWLER

James Fowler is an artist whose passion for map making and queer-themed pieces reflect his fascination with the intersection of culture and place. Born in Northern Ontario, he moved to Toronto, where he experienced the fast-paced energy of the city, a dichotomy that informs his approach to art. Fowler’s paintings in acrylic, oil, and gouache merge map making with non-traditional landscape painting, featuring vibrant color palettes that reflect the unique cultural identity of each location. Through his work, he explores how our surroundings can impact our cultural identity and vice versa.

Queerness also informs his practice and serves as a compass through which to navigate dominant and pervasive cultures. Fowler uses traditional craft techniques to ‘culture map’ queer aesthetics onto objects found in environments where toxic masculinity is fostered. He aims to challenge hetero-normative expectations and create a space for conversations about positive masculinity, gender equality, and equity.

Fowler's work has been exhibited nationally, including at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, Tom Thompson Gallery in Owen Sound, and The ArQuives in Toronto. He has also curated exhibitions such as ‘Old Growth’ at High Park & Propeller Gallery, Toronto, and ‘Queering Space’ at the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives (The ArQuives) Toronto, and for a decade curate the 10X10 Photography Project, celebrating LGBTQ+ Canadians in the Arts. Additionally, Fowler has worked with the City of Toronto on the 'Church Street Mural Project', and became a founding member of Nuit Rose, a visual art and performance festival that operated in Toronto from 2015 to 2020.

Fowler is a member of the Nipissing Regional Curatorial Collective and has served on the board of The White House Studio Project in Toronto and the White Water Gallery in North Bay. He has also participated in artist residencies, retreats, workshops, and exchanges and his work is held in private, public and corporate collections, including Brookfield Property Management, Daniels Corporation, MaRS Canada, One Properties, Ontario Genomics Institute, Ontario Power Authority, York Universe Glendon Campus, MaRS Canada, and the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

https://iamjamesfowler.com/
Instagram: @jamesfowlerart
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