A Butterfly Flaps Its Wings

About the Exhibition

Artists: Pitseolak Ashoona (1904–1983), Michel Daigneault, Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Janet Jones, Kiakshuk (1886–1966), William Noah (1943–2020), Pudlo Pudlat (1916–1992), John Reeves (1938–2016), Katherine Takpannie, F. H. Varley (1881–1969), Xuan Ye, Lan Florence Yee.

A butterfly flaps its wings delves into the idea that artists are not isolated creators but are deeply influenced by the multifaceted environments that surround them— be they ecological, cultural, political, and beyond. The title, inspired by chaos theory’s “butterfly effect” metaphor, challenges visitors to consider the profound connections between the artist and the world. This approach encourages deeper exploration of even the smallest factors that may shape the creative process.

The exhibition features new acquisitions to the gallery’s permanent collection alongside other works from our holdings. We thank the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, the Elisabeth L. Gordon Art Program, and the K. M. Hunter Foundation for their support.

Image credits
1. Katherine Takpannie, Amauti, 2018, archival pigment print, 91.4 cm x 137.2 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchase by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham with funds from the K. M. Hunter Foundation, 2023.
2–3, 5–7: Installation images of A butterfly flaps its wings, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 2023. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid.