Adrienne Trent – Burdens

On By ResaIn Interviews, Sculptures

This truly unique and fascinating collection of sculptures has caught my imagination.

It’s found in the temporary space of John B. Aird Gallery, housed in the Artscape building at 906 Queen W. during renovations of its home at MacDonald block.

Artist Adrienne Trent (pictured below) says, “the focus of installation work is not usually about sales, unless to a museum”.

Therefore she is able to project her mind’s eye without the yoke of commerciality. Hers is an honest  exposé of “art for art’s sake”.

About 2 years ago, photos of Adrienne’s  art was fed into an AI program. It came up with the image you see below. She decided to create an actual sculptural collection based on what she saw.

 Below is the result. So, a reflection is added to the mirror of art imitating life and/or life imitating art : Art – imitating artificial intelligence imitating art imitating life that is possibly life imitating art, ad infinitum.

Adrienne created the sculptures using gesso plaster and old curtains from The Goodwill.

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When I asked Adrienne how she came up with the title “Burdens”; she replied that she was at home when asked, on the spot, for the working title. She looked around her home, and answered “Burdens”.

Although not raised in the house she bought as an adult, it had been in her family for 6 generations. This has kept her reticent to fully renovate the original heritage. That respect was a burden. The name stuck.

John B. Aird Gallery is one of the few avant garde galleries to show in Toronto. For me it was a breath of fresh air, after strolling through certain posh downtown galleries where there’s seemingly a second coming of Andy Warhol, and commercialized street art on canvas.

The collection of 4 at the rear of the room is sustainable art from an earlier show. I love this. Some of the items include:

An old used easel, baskets, snowshoe, baseball mitt, license plate, violin, muffin tin, plaster head, rusty can, broken chair, wheel of sorts and is that a paper cup?

The show runs until March 23, 2024. Go on a Saturday, and Adrienne will be there to talk with.

Photos (except for poster) © Resa McConaghy

96 thoughts on “Adrienne Trent – Burdens”

    1. Thank you Aladin!
      I’m very stimulated by Adrienne’s sculptures.
      Yes, she has taken something with no soul, and given it some of hers. 💕👍💕👍

  7. I love the concept, as you put it “Art – imitating artificial intelligence imitating art imitating life that is possibly life imitating art, ad infinitum.” I, of course, also love her last name ;) The art is great, and I am sure you really liked the repurposed curtains and other sustainable art – just up your alley!

    1. Right, Mr. Trent!

      Thanks about the Art Imitating etc. comment… I thought I was being clever. 🙄

      I totally love the sustainable angle.

      I used to call it “Gart”. Garbage + art = Gart.

      1. It was pretty clever, particularly since it did describe it so well 🙂 “Gart” – turning garbage into art. Yeah, sounds like a good word.

    1. It is fascinating.

      Dave, it seems to me there is some understandable panic about AI taking over the arts.

      Here, to me, Adrienne 1 upped AI! Way to go!

  10. This is right up your alley ;-) Totally in your wheelhouse with the repurposed stuff. I love this. Whenever I read AI with something to do with art or writing, I cringe. I love that she took the AI work and made it real. Very cool stuff.

    1. YES! Thunder, I love that she used old curtains AND that she one upped AI.
      That’s an artist for you!

      Okay… 95% done. 7 – 10 more hours… I figure.
      xoxoxo

    1. Yes, it is most interesting.
      I like the sculpture shadows too!

      Now I can begin to work on “Robbie’s Cats”!
      I’ll do a couple of easy street art posts while I work on it.
      I did find some cat art … lol.. I was hoping to find a lion, but just cats so far!

  13. This is fascinating, Resa and I’m drawn in to Adrienne’s work. It’s mixture of art forms is mesmerising … and yes, infinite possibilities! How special to meet the artist and what an interesting answer to your question of her title for the work. Does she consider her home a ‘burden’, I wonder? If so, why? The art gallery looks unique and I bet you’re a regular visitor! Annika

    1. Lots of meaningful talent here, for sure.

      I’ve known Adrienne for awhile. We had the opportunity to work together in the past.

      This was a timely rediscovering of each other. I totally enjoyed going to her show, and chatting with her for a couple of hours. It was a real treat.

      Her home has been in the family for so long, she felt disrespectful doing a complete renovation, and just did repairs.

      I believe she is now moving on and doing some real renovations. Seems she has shed some of the “burden”.

      Thank you, Annika!!

  14. “Art – imitating artificial intelligence imitating art imitating life that is possibly life imitating art, ad infinitum.” Wow and holy moly. What an intriguing concept and exhibition. Thanks for sharing, Resa.

    1. Welcome! Thank you Diana!
      It was a cool time for me at the exhibition.
      Adrienne is a unique talent.

      I’ve been drawing/studying flowers. (pencil and watercolour)They are amazingly intricate. I’m upping the ante tonight. A yellow rose in ink & pencil.
      I want to be ready when the time comes!

        1. You will see it. I meshed learning to do the flowers with Easter Hats for the Chicklets’ Easter party on Gigi’s blog.
          Lol. Each hat is 1 giant flower, sort of.
          I always do some drawings for the Chicklets’ parties, so I was killing several birds with 1 stone.

          I have a Lelaine to show you. It’s being blotted under heavy books… water colour thing so the drawing doesn’t warfle.

          I’m going to send that tomorrow, with crops of the flowers. I’m getting better!

          1. 🙂 I love the Chicklet parties. Lol. They’re always very stylish. 🙂 I’ve been down with the flu. A few hours out of bed and I’m ready for a nap. I’m looking forward to seeing whatever you create. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out. Hugs.

  15. Resa – what an extraordinary exhibition. Oh, how I would love to beam over and visit this exhibition with you. I am fascinated how Adrienne used an AI program to facilitate innovative pathways. How wonderful that Adrienne is available to discuss her artwork. Thank you for this post – you truly made my day extra special.

    1. We would have fun going to art shows together!
      Yes, I also wish you could air drop here to see the “Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800” .
      I’m quite excited for it!
      I’m thrilled this post helped make your day!

    1. It is unique, for sure. I appreciate originality.

      I love that Adrienne 1 upped AI.

      It was music last night. I started a JM. It’s a beautiful drawing, but I missed something. I’m deciding if I should try correcting, or start again. I rarely get it on the first try, anyway, and of course I picked a hard pose. (also I tripped and fell yesterday, so I was wonky last night (1 finger really swollen ugh!).

      xoxoxo

      1. Oh gurl friend, fell down!? I felt that! Please feel better and be safe. I’m sure you’ll do a spectacular JM! I can’t wait. I was thinking about how his burial site in Paris is a hangout for the new and older generations. I know there’s been graffiti but I think he would smile. Take it easy Meece.
        love ya! xoxoxo

        1. xoxoxo
          He’d probably love the graffiti. If I went there I might try to sign it!
          Sent a drawing of AGM Holly in an Easter Hat for the Easter party at the coop. Hope you like it! 🐣👯‍♀️🐣

          1. I think he would be very pleased. I would definitely leave my mark ( hopefully not get arrested) . I can’t find the Easter party dress!

            ckd the mail and Gigi’s blog… 🥺

            xo👯‍♀️Xo

  23. Hi Resa, I love this aspect about Adrienne’s art: “Therefore she is able to project her mind’s eye without the yoke of commerciality. Hers is an honest  exposé of “art for art’s sake”. Her attitude reminds me of writer’s being advised to not write for money. Her work is so interesting and fascinating, and old curtains from The Goodwill? Wow! Thanks for sharing, my friend! ❤️🤗 xoxoxo

    1. Dear Lauren,

      Apologies for the late reply!

      Good thing I checked. Honestly, I get behind with comments.

      Agree, writing falls into  “art for art’s sake”, if one does it without the thought of $$$ as a driving force.

      That’s not to say it couldn’t make $$ if it became a seller, but perhaps it’s because of the initial impetus to create “art for art’s sake” is why it does become popular.

      Love that Adrienne used old curtains from the Goodwill. I use them in my gowns.

      Adore you! xoxoxo

  26. Amazing. Which proves AI can be a useful tool for creation… Hmmm. I wonder about writing? I know, blasphemy, but what if it gives you a starting point? Hmmm.

    1. AI can be useful. I was impressed that it can spot a forest fire before it happens. That is amazing.

      Maybe artificial organs for transplants, and spotting disease before it spreads.

      Perhaps it will design giant filters to clean our air and water.

      Of course there must be other things, like figuring bigger bombs and weapons of destruction. You know the “powers” must already be going on that.

      The arts already have a staring point, about around the beginning of man. Still I get what you are saying. In that sense it could just make us lazy.

      In the end, I fear AI may be the biggest con artist humanity has ever dealt with, make the orange one look like a paperweight.

      The wheel
      The printing press
      The computer
      AI.. or is AI just part of the computer revolution & the next wheel is yet to come?
      You’re fun to chat with, Brian!

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