Events & Gatherings

About invisibly ill

In 2022, Da Silva released her first issue of invisibly ill based on her own experiences as a disabled artist who often appears able.

This edition of invisibly ill, published by AKA artist-run, was developed through a collaboration between Sherbrooke Community Centre and École College Park School’s iGen program, spanning several months. iGen’s Grade 6 students engaged in learning sessions at Sherbrooke, fostering ongoing and meaningful connections between the seniors in long-term care throughout the school year. 

Remai Modern and AKA supported the facilitation of workshops, production, and printing. Production and printing is funded by the Sask Lotteries Community Grant. Da Silva led seven workshops at Sherbrooke’s art studio for the iGen participants and Sherbrooke residents. During these workshops, students and seniors collaborated to produce artwork that appears in the magazine. These diverse artworks include a variety of mediums such as collage, sculpture, drawing, and more. Participants were awarded honorariums for their contributions to the zine.

Alana Moore, Sherbrooke’s Artist-in-residence, provided valuable administrative support and organized seniors’ participation in the workshops. Keri Albert and Lorna Conquergood of iGen played pivotal roles in supporting and encouraging student involvement. Five students and ten seniors collaborated with Da Silva to create these artworks. 

“This collaboration showcases Remai Modern’s commitment to community outreach, fostering meaningful, nurturing connections with residents in our community, and supporting local artists,” said Kas Rea, Community Programs Assistant at Remai Modern. “Throughout the workshops, attendees gradually opened up, sharing personal stories of resilience and perseverance in the face of illness. There was a remarkable level of honesty and vulnerability, that I think will leave a lasting impact on all those involved.”

Free copies of invisibly ill will be available at these locations:

• Remai Modern Art & Design Store
• Sherbrooke Community Centre
• AKA artist-run
• PAVED Arts
• Art Placement
• Turning the Tide Bookstore
• Neutral Ground, Regina
• The Dunlop Gallery, Regina
• MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina

About the artist

Gabby Da Silva is a (dis)abled artist fascinated with the collaboration between digital and physical mediums. With a conceptual approach, she makes work that deals with the documentation of events and the questions of how they can be presented. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Da Silva comes from a close family whom she credits for their strength, especially when she was diagnosed with a neurological disorder in 2019. Her work responds to both her surrounding environments and everyday experiences, and is often accompanied by her own cluttered spoken word. Since graduating with her BFA honors in Studio Art, Da Silva continues to practice as an artist, forever discovering new ways to express herself and her communities through art.

About AKA artist-run

AKA is an artist-run centre operating on Treaty Six Land that encompasses the traditional homeland of numerous First Nations, including Cree, Dene, Plains Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, and Ojibwe, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. AKA’s artistic direction considers the intentionality behind our founding – led by a female artist collective making space in Saskatoon for experimental art practices. Our relevance is tied to our ability to take risks, to be responsive and agile in our support of artists and their ideas. 

AKA’s activities are generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Sask Culture, Sask Lotteries, and the City of Saskatoon. 

Remai Modern thanks the Sherbrooke Community Centre, École College Park School, AKA artist-run for their contributions to this project.