Northern Oracle

Northern Oracle is an ambitious rooftop installation that emerges from the floor of the gallery, and is accompanied by a series of mixed media drawings. Through her work, Heather Hart considers Black histories, access to ownership, taking up physical space, and the significance of having a place to call home. Visitors will be able to access both the rooftop and its floor level attic, while further contemplating and enacting upon the corollary of these vantage points. The “Oracle”, located in the attic, is the heart of the work and is a site-specific shrine where visitors may leave behind offerings.

Northern Oracle will provide a performative area, a locale for demonstration of power, influence, and direction where the idiom, “shout it from the rooftop” will be made literal. Throughout the exhibition, the space will be activated by performances, lectures and workshops.

Visitors are encouraged to physically interact with Northern Oracle, but must adhere to the following guidelines:

- Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes;
- Be at least 10 years old (minors under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian);
- Do not carry any items, such as a purse, camera, or cell phone.

Northern Oracle is the winner of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG) 2017 Exhibition of the Year.