Archiving Unrest

Michael DiRisio’s Archiving Unrest will explore ways of understanding and representing forms of refusal and control, with an emphasis on events that have sought systemic change towards an egalitarian future. Through video, installation and text-based works, this exhibition will reflect on collective action while questioning the nature of collectivity itself. Commemorating the centenary anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, this project will reflect on the massive strike wave that spread across Canada that year; a movement that was driven by participants striving for significant and substantial social change. The exhibit will take place in Hamilton at Workers Art and Heritage Centre from May 10 to August 16, 2019, and will be animated by the following activities:

Opening reception of exhibition: May 10, 2019, 7-9 p.m.
WAHC is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reading Groups

An installation which consists of a large, modular structure that will house and display books about groups and gatherings, with sections that will unfold into seating. The structure will be constructed so that it can be assembled in different configurations for different events and groups. This will serve as a platform for the program also entitled Reading Groups, where groups will discuss texts that consider group dynamics, collaborative practices and critical mass organizing while reflecting on ways that groups are read and understood in public. Texts will be promoted ahead of time and made available to the public in the installation and where possible online. DiRisio will initiate the first reading group on opening weekend, and the following groups/individuals will facilitate and convene different iterations:

Visual artist Michael DiRiso (May 11 at 2 p.m.)
Visual Artist, Scholar Syrus and Activist Marcus Ware (July 13 at 2 p.m.)
Anthony Marco of the Hamilton and District Labour Council (July 17 at 7 p.m.)
Writer and Artist Anthony Easton (August 14 at 7 p.m.)
Visual Artist Alejandro Tamayo (August 10 at 2 p.m.)
Three more TBC
Artists’ Dialogue:

A critical dialogue between Michael DiRisio and Dylan Miner, centred around the question of the role arts institutions play in critical mass uprisings and civil unrest, such as the Winnipeg General Strike, G20 protests, significant labour strikes etc. This will take place on June 14 at 7 p.m.

All events take place at the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, 51 Stuart Street, Hamilton.