EMPTY SEATS: Meet the Artist - Gillian Steven

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Gillian has been involved in advocacy and community-focused initiatives for more than 12 years, beginning as a co-op student at the Kawartha Art Gallery at the age of 15. She later left Lindsay to pursue an undergraduate degree in Communications and Political Science, followed by a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation abroad.

While not formally trained as an artist, Gillian recognizes the unique power of art to spark dialogue, inspire change, and engage audiences with important social and community issues. Her work is driven by a passion for connecting people, fostering understanding, and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations through arts and culture.

EXHIBITION STATEMENT

This exhibition prompted me to reflect deeply on how I wanted to communicate my message through art. Through these posters, I sought to explore the power of voice, and the role communication plays in creating more equitable and inclusive communities. I wanted to convey the idea that meaningful change often begins with a single voice—one conversation, one perspective, or one act of speaking out. Like a reverberation that grows outward, individual voices have the ability to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and create lasting impact within our communities.

Colour plays an important role in reinforcing this message. The bold, vibrant palette is intended to capture attention and encourage viewers to engage with the work. Beyond their visual impact, the colours also carry symbolic meaning. The contrast between orange and the black-and-white elements reflects the tension between the rigid binaries and divisions that often shape our understanding of the world. Orange serves as a symbol of transformation, growth, and possibility, suggesting that meaningful change occurs when we move beyond black-and-white thinking and embrace the complexity, diversity, and shared experiences that connect us.