3 upcoming exhibitions from independent artists to check out in Vancouver

April Thompson, Adam Hoens, and Jasem Qaisi.

They’re three names that you need to know, as the Vancouver-based creatives are each making a big splash in the local art community in their own ways — Thompson, an aspiring curator; Hoens, a talented hip-hop portrait artist; and Qaisi, an impressionist-inspired painter.

With all three presenting works in exhibitions this month, there is no time better than now to get to know these local talents.

Three Kinds of Abstraction

April Thompson is doing her masters at UBC in Critical Curatorial studies and, as part of her degree, she’s curating this exhibition at Access Gallery. Three Kinds of Abstraction reflects upon what the “west coast” aesthetic is, while keeping in mind the impact things like real estate markets and uneven distribution of wealth have upon expectations of photography. The show features the work of seven Canadian artists, including Angela Fama, Ed Spence, and Noah Spivak.

When: July 30 – August 27, 2016
Where: Access Gallery – 222 East Georgia Street

MADE

Just one glance at Adam Hoens’ Instagram feed (@Ndlocal) and you’ll find colourful, eye-catching portraits of hip-hop superstars like Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, and Mos Def. The star of this talented North Delta artist has quickly begun to rise due to his incredible deftness with a paintbrush brush and a pencil, and he’s even received recognition from his subjects themselves, like Childish Gambino. Now, on August 11, Hoens will be presenting his very first solo exhibition. The evening will feature DJ sets, as well as a live performance from Seth Kay. All of Hoens’ displayed works will be available for purchase.

When: August 11, 2016
Where: 397 Alexander Street

Heydey

When it comes to painting, Jasem Qaisi takes inspiration from life. The Iraqi-born, Vancouver-based artist works in impressionist techniques and uses vivid colours to make the beautiful images on his canvases come to life. His latest exhibition, Heyday, aims to show both the relationship and the feminine likeness between horse and woman in terms of movement and agility.

When: July 28 – September 8, 2016
Where: Katami Designs Studio & Gallery – 138 East Broadway