Brenda Draney's work explores the complex nature of intimacy. Referencing her own memories and
experiences the Canadian artist examines the layered meanings embedded in everyday motifs and
situations. The cumulative portrait that emerges references a collective self that encompasses
not only her own experience but that of past generations and current community members. However
instead of simply reproducing these elements she is more interested in addressing how their
meanings can shift when filtered through individual interpretation. By deliberately leaving
blank spaces in her paintings Draney leaves room for viewers to place their own narrative
within her imaginary spaces and to connect to the wide range of emotions tied to the nuanced
experience of intimacy. The catalogue published in conjunction with Draney's solo exhibition at
The Power Plant Art Gallery in Toronto features a selection of existing and newly commissioned
work as well as various contributions from Canadian scholars and poets. BRENDA DRANEY (*1976
Sawridge First Nation Treaty 8 with a strong connection to Slave Lake Alberta Canada) has
been featured in various exhibitions. She is based in Edmonton Alberta.
