Since 1996, a group of individuals dreamed about an inclusive downtown core dedicated to the arts. After hearing feedback from Londoners, it was determined that London needed a space to showcase their emerging artists.
What was originally The Arts Project was established in 2000 and is now known as TAP Centre for Creativity. TAP is a place where artists can help revitalize downtown London by providing education, artistic presentation, and job opportunities.
Collage of The Idiom gallery
Last night Tap unveiled its newest gallery with Idiom: A Photography Study By Echo Gardiner. The night began with an acoustic set by Kimber, lead vocalist from the local band The Alcoholly’s.
Gardiner describes her solo Idiom photography study as one that explores imagery that’s steeped in the cultural metaphor and how the human experience can transcend linguistics and geography.
“I was looking to draw on the human experience. That the human condition is universal and not necessarily specific to any culture. While there are definite differences with everyone’s culture, there is the human experience which is universal throughout. Which is what I was trying to capture with this particular show.”
Additionally, the show focuses on phrases and expressions of various cultures that can be founded here in London, Ontario.
Gardiner, 35, says has been taking professional photos for about a dozen years. However, she admits that it’s always been a passion of hers, dating all the way back to when she was about 10. Although she enjoys several artistic media, she says photography is the most versatile artistic medium she enjoys playing with. “Photography forces me to look and interact with my environment. It forces me outside of my own mind. I can carry it with me on the whim or I can try to focus and try to create something specifically or one that I can just have a little fun with. “
Echo Gardiner, Photographer, in front of her gallery
Gardiner got involved with TAP as a late teenager and says the facility is a great place for artists to exhibit their art and credits them as the heart of the London community.
Artist will be glad to know that TAP is supported by The London Arts Council who helped provide funding for local artists to display their art to the public.
The gallery runs until January 19th from 12pm-5pm and admission is free of cost. For more information on the gallery and the artist visit www.echosgallery.co
