This exhibition of new work by Kayza DeGraff-Ford showcases their recent digital experimentation in virtual reality programming. Part of an ongoing story within DeGraff-Ford’s practice, this immersive installation features a cosmic aqua-portal via the humble entry point of bathroom plumbing. Channelling the literary genre of Magical Realism and exploring African diasporic and trans experiences, Portals takes the viewer through a healing wormhole in time. The work was created during a residency organized by the Centre for Art Tapes and the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative, funded through the Independent Media Arts Alliance Digital Skills for Youth program, and presented in partnership with MSVU Art Gallery. Financial support from the Government of Canada is gratefully acknowledged.
Kayza DeGraff-Ford: Portals
Opening Reception
Saturday, June 10 at 1:00pm
The Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for Kayza DeGraff-Ford: Portals and Lisa Hirmer: Everything We Have Done Is Weather Now. The artists will be present and refreshments will be served. Opening remarks will be at 1:15pm, followed by an artist-led tour of Everything We Have Done Is Weather Now with Lisa Hirmer. This will be a relaxed reception and ASL interpretation is available on request. Please contact art.gallery@msvu.ca with any access needs or services requests by June 7, if possible.
About the Artist
Kayza DeGraff-Ford was born in Lacombe, Alberta in 1992. They are an emerging artist inspired by history, current culture, and their own experiences. DeGraff-Ford completed the foundation program at Yukon School of Visual Arts in 2017, where they were the recipient of the BMO 1st Art! Award for Yukon Territory. They transferred to NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Arts in 2021. Since living in Halifax they have shown work at The Blue Building Gallery, Hermes Gallery, Dalhousie Art Gallery, and Anna Leonowens Gallery. DeGraff-Ford was the grand prize winner of the 2020 NSCAD Student Art Award.
