Mandate
O'Born Contemporary is a commercial gallery dedicated to the exhibition and dissemination of recent works by living artists. We aim to present an exhibition program that is diverse in medium and aesthetic but consistently rich with critical merit. Our exhibitions and the works that comprise them are both intellectually engaging and alluring commercially, making them well-suited to a myriad of diverse collections.
As gallerists and agents, we pride ourselves on our practice of fostering active relationships with our represented artists, thereby ensuring an authentic and sensitive understanding of the works we exhibit. By extension, we endeavour to maintain a contributing relationship with our local and international communities. This is achieved in part by hosting auxiliary programs including critiques, panel discussions, lectures and performances as well as participating in international events such as fairs and festivals. Engaging regularly in art happenings, we are well positioned to adapt to the fluidity of the art market without compromising the stability of vision upon which our nuanced approach to art is poised.
History
Donald O'Born opened his photography gallery, O'Born Contemporary, June 2008 in a modest space near Yonge and Bloor. With a steady focus trained on developing a virtuosic calendar of exhibiting artists, the programming revolved around themed group-exhibitions.
In 2010, the gallery moved to a larger space and joined the fabric of Toronto's popular Ossington strip. Previously the gallery manager, Natalie MacNamara then took up the position of Director. Complimenting this physical move came a corollary shift to a broadened mandate, which included all media, reflecting MacNamara's view of content taking precedent over instrument in art-making.
Through a programming effort that comprised primarily solo presentations by newly represented artists, O'Born Contemporary began the daunting task of establishing a lasting identity. In the years since the Ossington inaugural exhibition, O'Born Contemporary has continued to distill its disposition, developing a character that distinguishes the gallery from other commercial spaces.