Corner Gallery in Ontario, Canada, is preparing for a new exhibition titled 'Brink,' opening May 23. Curator David Partridge chose the theme to reflect the current global uncertainty, interpreting 'brink' as either the edge of collapse or the dawn of something new. The show features artists who responded to the theme in varied ways, including one landscape painter who shifted to portraits. Partridge notes that private art galleries are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, with attendance declining post-COVID, and acknowledges that this year is critical for the gallery's future.
The exhibition matters because it highlights the broader challenges facing small, community-focused art galleries amid economic pressures. Partridge emphasizes that the gallery's purpose is not just to sell art but to provide a space for connection and reflection, especially during uncertain times. 'Brink' serves as both a literal theme and a metaphor for the gallery's own precarious position, underscoring the vital role local art spaces play in fostering community resilience and dialogue.