Mariana LaFrance: To Not Be So Lonely

Mariana Lafrance’s artworks are influenced by the natural surroundings of Manitoulin Island, and other parts of rural Ontario and Québec. She combines image-making and improvised choreography to explore tensions between the self, the other, and the land. Her exhibition To not be so lonely will be on exhibition in Gallery II from April 12 – May 14, 2017.

Mariana Lafrance exhibited in Sudbury at the Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015. She has also had recent exhibitions in Ottawa and Toronto. Her work is supported by the Ontario Arts Council (2011, 2016, 2017). In 2008, Mariana published a book of photographs of Sudbury entitled Site Unseen/La ville invisible, in collaboration with Les Éditions Prise de Parole. To Not Be So lonely will feature video performances, photographs, and drawings. An installation of an absurd 4’x4′ checkers game entitled Cups Against Saucers will be the site of a 30-minute performance on opening night. In this body of work, Mariana doubles herself or her characters to address the relationship between the self and the other. She explores the necessity of connectivity between people, places, and history.

Through video effects, Mariana is able to negotiate with her double by layering, reversing and balancing the choreographed imagery. As a contemporary artist practicing in Northern Ontario, Lafrance’s work is influenced by the cultures and landscapes around her. Studying outside of the institution has allowed Mariana to access opportunities for training in Northern Ontario, including a mentorship with textile artist Judy Martin (Manitoulin Island), the Near North Mobile Media Lab (North Bay, Ontario), the Manitoulin Conservatory for Creation and Performance (Manitoulin Island), and Debajehmujig Storytellers (Manitoulin Island). Born in Hearst, Ontario and raised on Manitoulin Island, Mariana Lafrance is constantly observing the historical and continuing relationships between people, place, and self.