A new exhibition has started at Les Territoires, a collection of photographic works by Toronto artists Hanna & Laurie Kang titled Hibernation.

The show’s subtitle Twins Venture into Collaboration is a strong clue as to what this show is about. Usually working separately, the twins decided to create a series of works together and explore their commonalities and uniqueness. The Kang twins invite curiosity – you’re finally allowed to stare at them and explore their similarities and differences. Most photos feature the two of them, sometimes in staged environments, sometimes in intimate snapshots. Even the photos that don’t show the two women depict doubles: two zebras locked in a fight, two wolves devouring prey. In the smaller gallery space you’ll find an installation piece with two photographic portraits facing each other, a collection of vintage luggage lined underneath, and the words “bye bye Hanna, bye bye Laurie” pencilled onto another wall. The room is divided with a black tape, cutting the space in half. Is each sister a half of the other? Are they one mind? Can twins really be two individuals? It’s an engaging exploration of twinship which suggests insights without giving too much away.
By the way, watch out for a tiny, whimsical sculpture piece on the gallery floor, it’s small enough to step on!

Les Territoires
space 527
Hanna & Laurie Kang
Hibernation
exhibition period: October 3 – 21, 2008
www.lesterritoires.org