A Journey Through Scoliosis
September 23rd to November 5th, 2022
project room Gallery
Exhibition Artist:
Saghi Ehteshamzadeh with Nikki Schenk, Melika Hemmat, and Natalie Janzen.
Article Written by Featured Artist:
Saghi Ehteshamzadeh
Artist Talk Saturday Sept. 24th
2:00 – 3:00 pm, with Dance Performance by Nikki Schenk
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A Journey Through Scoliosis art project started with my personal mental journey through scoliosis. I have been dealing with scoliosis since I was seven years old. Throughout these years, aside from the dreadful physical pain that I have experienced, there’ve been mental challenges. Especially during my teenage years, I had a poor body image because of my curved spine. I was ashamed to wear clothes that showed my body, embarrassed to wear swimsuits, and disliked my body and posture. However, after getting to know my body more and after being introduced to Iyengar yoga, I slowly stopped hating my half-moon-shaped spine. One day, as I looked at my body in the mirror, I realized how beautiful the curve on my back was and how it reminded me of all the curved lines in nature, like the spinal leaves of flowers. That’s where A Journey Through Scoliosis started. With a photo, I decided to put my scoliosis under the spotlight. So, with this project, I aim to praise scoliosis bodies, display their beauty, and raise awareness of scoliosis and its mental side effects.
Anxiety and having a poor body image are two of the most common mental side effects of scoliosis. I have been dealing with severe anxiety for a long time, and only after getting to know my curved spine did I realize a significant part of my anxiety comes from my scoliosis. Speaking to people with scoliosis, I discovered that they, too, have been struggling with anxiety and poor body image. We only realize we are going through the same thing; we experience the same barriers and fight the same battles once we share our mental journeys. Therefore, a prominent part of this project is based on shared experiences. This project is an invitation through art for all scoliosis bodies to share their mental journeys with scoliosis and embrace their curves. ♦
Note from the Curator: This past spring I was invited by Colleen Fox who was working as a Lab Supervisor at Capilano University to meet virtually with the students in her lab. At the time, they were working on a class project which involved the development and installation of an exhibition. I had offered the participants the opportunity to reach out to me if there was anything else I could assist with. I received an email from Saghi asking if she could talk with me about a multi-disciplinary art project that she had been working on. Reading her statement and looking at her project I instantly knew I this would be such a fitting complement to Laurie’s exhibition. Once again when you least expect it the missing piece of the puzzle reveals itself. Thank you Colleen and Saghi. ♦
As a part of Saghi Ehteshamzadeh’s exhibition, Contemporary dancer Nikki Schenk did one performance at the Exhibition Opening Gala at 8:00 pm in the project room, and an additional performance as a part of Saghi’s artist talk at 2 pm, Saturday Sept 24th at 2:00pm.
ABOUT NIKKI:
Nikki is a contemporary dancer currently working in Vancouver, BC. She began her professional training in Victoria, BC at Ballet Victoria Conservatory where she did intensive training in ballet and contemporary dance. During her high school years Nikki also practiced in many other styles, including jazz, hip hop, and tap. Although Nikki is focusing on her career as a professional dancer, she has also had many experiences teaching and choreographing for local studios and programs around Victoria. Throughout her career, Nikki has faced challenges as she’s journeyed through her scoliosis. From a young age Nikki was diagnosed with scoliosis and has faced many mental and physical struggles as she navigated life and dance with a twisted spine. Although she still faces difficulties, Nikki is grateful for how her scoliosis makes her unique, and she appreciates the lessons and experience she has gained through her challenges.
