Artist Talk with Johnathan Onyschuk
In this artist talk, Johnathan Onyschuk will discuss the ideas and processes behind his Project Space exhibition “Old Growth”
In this artist talk, Johnathan Onyschuk will discuss the ideas and processes behind Old Growth (https://eskerfoundation.com/exhibition/johnathan-onyschuk-old-growth/), his installation exploring the recurring image of the human face emerging from plant life and wood. Drawing from a collection of anonymous folk art “spirit carvings,” Onyschuk combines found sculptures into intricate basswood reliefs where individual faces merge into dense, shifting forms. The talk will share insight into the relationship between historical carving traditions, collective memory, and the enduring human impulse to find ourselves reflected in the natural world.
Johnathan Onyschuk (https://eskerfoundation.com/exhibition/johnathan-onyschuk-old-growth/)is a settler based on Treaty 7 territory. Holding an MFA from Western University, London, and a BFA from Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, Onyschuk is currently the Sculpture Facilitator at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. His work has been exhibited at spaces across Canada, including Support, London; The Lily, Calgary; Ed Video, Guelph; Lowlands Project Space, Edmonton; and ArtLab, London. Onyschuk’s sculptural practice draws from mass culture, history, and speculative futures, often focusing on the material and psychological impacts of resource extraction.
Image: Johnathan Onyschuk: Old Growth, Project Space, 2026. Photo by: Blaine Campbell
Artist photo: Cy Yang Smith
Respect and Inclusion
By registering for this Program you agree to co-create, in collaboration with Esker Staff, Artists and Volunteers, an atmosphere of mutual inclusion and respect for all persons. This includes speaking, acting and behaving in a way that is absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, bullying or discrimination of any kind regardless of, and not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, age and ability. This includes in online/digital forums.
Media Consent
By participating in a program or event at Esker Foundation you consent to having Recordings taken (images, photographs, videos, audio recordings or other media) of yourself and/or your dependent(s) to be included in Esker Foundation’s Recordings Bank. This is a collection of Recordings intended to showcase the gallery’s activities, primarily for archival and reporting purposes. They may also be used for promotional purposes: on Esker Foundation’s website, social media or marketing materials. Esker Foundation will not use these Recordings for commercial purposes. Participants will be notified when Recordings are being taken, and may always opt out on the day of the program.
Should you require any support, or have any questions, please reach out to: programs – @ – eskerfoundation.com
Agenda
05:45 Doors
18:00 – 19:00 Artist Talk
FAQs
Is this program/event free? Is entry to the gallery free?
Yes, all our offerings at Esker are free!
Is there parking available at Esker?
Complimentary parking is available in our building’s underground parkade and the south surface parking lots, both are accessed at the rear of our building. After parking, please proceed directly to the gallery on the 4th floor to register your license plate at the front desk.
Is Esker accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility limitations?
Yes, we have elevators that go up to the 4th floor and an accessibility door on the right side of the revolving door into the gallery. We also have an accessible, all genders washroom on the west side of the gallery.
Where is The Bookshop at Esker ?
The Bookshop at Esker is located on the 4th floor to your right on entering the gallery. Find a selection of art publications and limited edition items for purchase in person at the gallery or online.
Is filming allowed at Esker?
Image and video capture without flash is allowed on cellphones only, and may not be used for commercial purposes, only for social media or personal use.
Are pets allowed in the gallery?
Service dogs are allowed, but no other pets are allowed in the gallery unfortunately.
