The Gladstone Hotel and a group of local artists explore Nature vs. Culture in their curated installation, upArt. We speak with a few of the participants in this year’s edition.
Bruno Billio is an installation artist, sculptor and designer. Currently a resident artist at the Gladstone Hotel, Billio has exhibited internationally in Milan, Miami, London, Los Angeles and New York.
Describe the work you’re exhibiting as part of upArt in one sentence.
Tightly bound, colourful, effeminate objects suppressing and releasing emotions.
How does it address or examine our relationship with nature?
The pieces express the human nature of suppression and release of
emotions.
Describe your process.
My process begins with a vision in my head where it begins to manifest into reality. I then find the right object that speaks to me in its gestural form. The object is then placed on a turntable, where with great focus I bind it in metres of coloured thread.
Favorite Canadian contemporary artist(s)?
My favorite Canadian artist is Garey Taxali. I love the world of images and stories
he creates.
What’s next?
I have two lectures on my work. I’m designing a new restaurant and bar on the first floor and restoring the The Great Hall. Lastly, I’m going to be the art director for the AGO’s Massive Party.
