Double Bill Opening: Gillian King & Christine Fitzgerald

Schedule

Fri Jun 19 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

858 Bank Street, Suite 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario K1S 3W3 | Ottawa, ON

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Two Ottawa legends have back-to-back openings. Join us for the opening of 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬 and 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 - 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
Free Admission. RSVP in the link and receive the preview catalogue!
Both artists will be present.
𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 - 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬
What defines visual truth in an era when both the natural world and the notion of truth itself face unprecedented threats? Museum Studies responds by critically examining how museum dioramas–once considered authoritative and authentic representations of nature–shape our understanding of the environment. Once celebrated as timeliness depictions of pristine wilderness, museum dioramas now stand as poignant reminders of ecological loss.
Ottawa artist Christine Fitzgerald reinterprets these displays through the revival of historical photographic processes in the context of present-day environmental concerns, challenging assumptions of authenticity and representation. Her unique, hand-printed prints transform the natural history diorama as a metaphor for life at a time of increasing environmental change. The artworks encourage critical dialogue on environmental change and the visual constructs shaping our understanding of it.
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𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬
Mammatus is a series of sewn and stuffed paintings that mimic formations made by mammatus clouds, a meteorological term derived from the Latin mamma (“breast”) for clouds of the same shape that appear before or after severe storms. I think about these formations as atmospheric and psychological states suspended between tension, release, anticipation and aftermath.
The works are constructed with organic grid patterning and made through dyeing, staining, bleaching, sewing, stuffing, and painting. They are filled with stuffing taken from my own pillows, including body pillows used during pregnancy, postpartum, and chronic pain flare-ups, where I physically brace and support my body between pillows to reduce discomfort. These materials connect atmospheric systems to experiences of care, exhaustion, pain, protection, and bodily transformation.
Beginning from playful experimentation and meditative repetition, the surfaces soften, sag, puff, and warp as they accumulate material excess. Grids become porous, tactile, and bodily rather than predictable. Staining, stitching, and compression create both instability and containment, reflecting emotional states shaped by climate anxiety, political tension, motherhood, intimacy, and living through uncertainty.
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Where is it happening?

858 Bank Street, Suite 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario K1S 3W3

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De Montigny Contemporary
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