Seen /Unseen


Where: Atelier and Microcinema
When: 14:00-0:00

Curator: Olivia Onuk

Artists:
Aly Joy-Lily McDonald
Chyme, Dominique
LuCille Giwa
Luniverse.JPG
Yomi Orimoloye

Lighting and media designer: MvB


A multidisciplinary exhibition and artist talkback exploring the paradox of visibility for Black artists.

Seen / Unseen examines the complex relationship Black artists have with visibility—how being seen can be affirming, but also leaves one vulnerable to misinterpretation, surveillance, and commodification. Through performance, storytelling (music and poetry), media, and visual art, the exhibition invites attendees into a space where seeing and being seen becomes an active, dynamic exchange.

It asks:
How do we control, or attempt to control how we are perceived?
What does it mean to be truly seen versus merely watched?
How does being seen or unseen shape an artist’s creative freedom and self-expression?

Presented in partnership with the Ottawa Black Artists Kollective.
Yomi Orimoloye, Which Way Is Forward (2025)





We acknowledge and pay respect to the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people on whose land we operate. If you support our programming, please consider supporting a local Indigenous organization or fundraiser.

Pique is a forward-thinking, artist-driven quarterly event series featuring eclectic musical, visual and multimedia artists, produced by Debaser. Pique takes place four times per year at the Arts Court (67 Nicholas St, Ottawa). 

2025 Pique dates are March 7-8, June 7, September 27 and December 13.

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PARTNERS
Arts Court
SAW
Artengine
Ottawa Fringe
Digital Arts Resource Centre
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa Dance Directive
Produced by Youth
Canadian Film Institute
Ottawa Black Artists Kollective
Axé WorldFest
Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange
The Music Gallery
Suoni per il Popolo

FUNDERS
Canada Council for the Arts
Government of Ontario
Canadian Heritage
Government of Canada
Ontario Creates
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Ontario Arts Council
City of Ottawa
SOCAN Foundation

SUPPORTERS
Dominion City Brewing Company
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Kilam Media
Wall Sound
Also Cool
Postering Ottawa
n.10.as
CKCU FM