What used to be mechanic shop tucked away on an off-beat side street in Bloordale Village is now resident to one of Toronto’s most imminent galleries. Daniel Faria opened up his art hot spot last October, quickly picking up a solid roster of Canadian artists to represent, such as prodigious Vancouver-based Douglas Coupland, positively charged painter Kristine Moran, and film-based installation artist Mark Lewis, who are all currently exhibiting at the gallery. A little bit of a trek, you will not be disappointed by the gallery’s vast array of talent it houses and by what Daniel Faria himself can offer to all you YPs looking to possibly acquire a piece or two to start your collection or become more cultured in the land of art.
The Questions. The Answers.
1. Three words to best describe Daniel Faria Gallery?
Engaging. Inspiring. Forward.
2. For our YPs looking to begin art collecting, what advice would you have for them as a gallery owner?
Go out and look at galleries. Pick up a Saturday paper and see what has been reviewed, then go out and look at those galleries. Ask questions from the gallerists and go to openings. Join young patron’s groups like AGO Next and see what artists they are interested in (exhibiting and purchasing). Buy what you love but enjoy the process of looking and discovering.
3. The gallery has a solid/diverse representation of Canadian artists. What was the draw to these specific artists?
At this point I’m working with eight artists. All of them have a unique approach to their practice and I’ve not seen work like theirs from other artists. They are grounded in art history but push it further with their own artistic vocabulary. Iris Häussler creates narratives and characters that are haunting and works that are sensual and tactile. There are so many levels. Derek Liddington creates magical performances that conflate art history, pop culture and personal narrative. And no one paints lik eKristine Moran!
4. What is your most favourite view in the gallery?
I love standing between both rooms during opening night, and seeing so many different people looking at the work, engaging with it, and asking questions of the artist.
5. What do you think Toronto’s strong points are in the art hub of Canada?
We are becoming more and more aware and proud of our own, and start to push them internationally. As well, there is more of a dialogue with international artists and curators, and the Power Plant and MercerUnion continue to bring really strong calibre works to Toronto.