Parallel Lines
an interactive art installation and social engagement project
centred around reclaimed prison beds from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women.
Parallel Lines encompasses: encaustic paintings, interactive sculpture installations,
storytelling, visitor participation and conversation.
— where differing points of view may converge through the magic of perspective —
Parallel Lines encompasses:
Frequently Asked Questions
•••?•••
Frequently Asked Questions •••?•••
about Parallel Lines
Centred around reclaimed prison beds from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women— Parallel Lines encompasses: encaustic paintings, interactive sculpture installations, storytelling, Visitor participation and conversation.
Referencing traditional representations of women in art; Canada’s history of genocide against Indigenous people; the plight of refugees fleeing war and persecution; immigrants struggling to build new lives in Canada; and the continued challenges of those striving to overcome violence, racism, disproportionate incarceration rates, poverty, sexism and abuse— Parallel Lines motivates and empowers people of all ages, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to share and express themselves in ways beyond words: transcending language barriers and engendering intense, intimate, personal connections with art.
Exploring differing ideas and perspectives on reality, perception and choice— Parallel Lines addresses our tendency to imprison ourselves and others through our beliefs and choices; and examines the precarious journey we all must take in order to escape our (frequently self-imposed) prisons and find healing. The decision to change, move or flee necessitates pushing boundaries, crossing borders, seeking the unfamiliar— both losing and gaining freedom and security. Much as we attempt to divest ourselves, we remain inevitably encumbered with baggage: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, ideological or political. However, once unpacked, our baggage unleashes the potential for exchange, understanding and transformation.
The title Parallel Lines refers to the physical and emotional bars of the prisons in which we periodically find ourselves. It also refers to how opposite sides of a road, in one-point perspective, appear to converge in the distance— just as seemingly opposing view-points can converge with a new understanding.
Parallel Lines encompasses:
Perceptions: 24 encaustic paintings featuring a woman on a bed; and a suitcase
15 Minutes of Fame: an Artist-facilitated interactive sculpture installation featuring a prison bed and a suitcase filled with personal items with which Visitors may interact
In Memoriam: a sculpture installation with 12 prison beds
Fragile: an Artist-facilitated interactive sculpture installation featuring a 30+ ft pathway of eggshells upon which Visitors walk while meditating on what they seek most in life
Esperanza: an installation of Visitors' keys tagged with 1 word indicating what they seek
Workshops: designed and directed by the Artist, for people of all ages, cultures and socio/economic backgrounds; conducted in the art gallery, at museums; and/or in community centres, mental health centres and schools— exploring perception and choice through interactive sculpture installation, storytelling and painting
Sharing Circles — storytelling and discussion sessions with the Artist and Visitors
Parallel Lines has received outstanding audience feedback wherever it has been presented and is proving to be a particularly effective tool for engaging and empowering marginalized individuals to express themselves in ways beyond words: transcending language barriers and engendering intense, intimate, personal connections with art.
Perceptions
a series of photo-based encaustic paintings exploring perception, reality and choice — centred around a prison bed from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women; a standard-issue prison suitcase; and an individual
In Memoriam
a sculpture installation with prison beds reclaimed from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women
15 Minutes of Fame
15 Minutes of Fame
an interactive sculpture installation featuring a prison bed and a standard get-out-of-jail prison suitcase with which Visitors create their own installations to tell their stories
Parallel Lines succeeds in engaging people’s hearts and minds through interaction, play and conversation — motivating them to want listen, hear and consequently empathize.
Fragile
Fragile
a 30+ ft pathway of eggshells upon which Visitors may walk while meditating on what they seek in life
Esperanza
Esperanza
an interactive sculpture installation and community engagement project.
A prison bed is transformed with Visitors' keys tagged with one word indicating what they seek the key to most in life.
Workshops
Workshops
designed and directed by Amanta Scott, conducted in the communities, schools, museums and galleries — bringing together Newcomers, Indigenous and Canadian youth and seniors to explore memory, imagination, perspective and choice through sculpture installation, storytelling and painting
The workshops empower participants to consider multiple different perspectives; share stories; listen to and connect with others; cultivate empathy and compassion; and express and release their emotions through sculpture and painting.
Sharing Circles
Sharing Circles
Artist-facilitated discussion groups in the galleries; and online following exhibitions and workshops
Sharing Circles are artist-facilitated discussion sessions in the galleries and museums; and also online discussion groups to offer a support network for participants following workshops and exhibitions.
Connecting and engaging with strangers through play, performance, laughter and conversation — empowers us and enables us to appreciate the values, priorities and perspectives of others.
Parallel Lines empowers people to voice intense, personal and political issues; deepen understanding; forge connections; and engage meaningfully with the arts.
"As a person who attended an Indian Residential School — the bed triggers memories from those days. I'm kinda scared of it — but at this point in my life, I also have to be aware that healing would only be a good thing." — Darlene Angeconeb, Residential School Survivor
Join us!
Leading Tone Arts Productions is a not-for-profit charitable arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts, cultivating unity in diversity; generating intercultural awareness and understanding; and educating through installations, exhibitions, workshops and performances. Amanta Scott is our Artistic Director and CEO.
The support of our friends, community partners, patrons and sponsors goes a tremendous way to helping us stimulate the minds and hearts of people of all ages, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Contact us if you would like to partner with us!
We seek community advisors, partners, board members, friends, benefactors and sponsors.
We are always interested in learning and hearing what drives and motivates people.
What do you care about? What matters to you?
Art is in the experience. What does it cause you to think? How do you feel?
Together we create art and make a positive difference in the world.
Our fundraising campaign is facilitated by CanadaHelps.org.
Charitable tax receipts are provided. Every bit helps us make art happen!
Thank you!
For our 2018 season, Parallel Lines was made possible through the generous support of:
