Liz Ikiriko

What Program did you graduate from and when? 

Criticism & Curatorial Practice, MFA in 2019 

What is your current title or role? (ie. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.) 

Independent Curator, Photo Editor and Artist 

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U? 

I had done research into different curatorial practice programs and the Faculty who teach them. I chose OCAD U once I met with Andrea Fatona. I was very excited to work with her as I admire her curatorial practice. Because of my interest in a progressive model, I wanted to veer away from art history in its traditional form that generally erases Blackness. I had previously been interested in the Master of Visual Studies in Studio Art at UofT.  

Please briefly describe your current job/practice. 

As of January 2020, I wear a number of different hats. I am curating a few different shows and have some more in the works. A Lineage of Transgressions is up at Art Space Peterborough (till February 2020); an exhibition in Fall 2020 in Saskatchewan; and a solo exhibition in Manitoba until March 2020. I teach Photography at Sheridan (4th-year thesis) and at Ryerson (Continuing Studies, Contemporary Photographic Art).  

How did you get started in your career?  

I have had many experiences that have fed into each other. The anchor for my career has always been photography and my love of lens-based work. I did my undergrad at Alberta College of Art & Design (Alberta University of Arts) in Photography. I moved to Toronto to be an Editorial Photographer. I interned at Toronto Life for 7 months, where I was mentored by the Photo Editor. I then worked freelance at MacLean's. When she moved on to a new opportunity, the Photo Editor at Toronto Life invited me to apply for her previous role, which I got.  

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work? 

I worked at Toronto Life when I was 27. This internship was paid, but not at a living wage, so I was also serving to pay the bills. Since then, I have hired interns and I feel that it’s necessary to pay them. I’ve been very disappointed to learn that some internships, that used to provide opportunities to learn and receive mentorship, have changed and now involve being a responsible and essential part of that team, while not being paid in this way. This is both problematic and unfair. I’m always concerned about exploitation. I understand that we are living in Toronto, where it’s expensive and competitive. Often times if you don’t take the opportunity, someone else will.  

While studying at OCAD U, I did a work placement at Critical Distance in the summer before my 2nd year of CCP. This was an incredible experience. I can’t say enough good things about Shani. It was important for me to discuss my skills, what I wanted to gain from this opportunity, and offer the ways in which I could help Critical Distance. A genuine relationship was built through this relationship. I’m now on the Critical Distance programming committee!          

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work? 

I love that I am learning at the same time. My curiosity is fueled. I love being in relation with a wide range of people, engage with other artists and be of service to students. 

 At the moment, there is no guarantee of what my future holds. This gets more exhausting the older you get. Every different contract/element of the work that I do has a layer of troubleshooting. It can be difficult navigating challenging personalities and time constraints.  

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently? 

I made strong connections with my Faculty and cohort. Coming to CCP from an editorial background with experience in Photography provided me with different opportunities to have real, hands-on connections with arts organizations, galleries, curators, designers and collectors.  

I got everything I could’ve possibly have gotten out of my experience. If there was more time, or I had more energy, would’ve pushed harder against a lack of BIPOC representation within Grad Studies.           

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?  

Research is the most consistent. For me, it is often informal. I do my best to keep track of what I’m reading and seeing (exhibitions). I have a huge basket full of promotional materials and catalogues of shows I’ve been to.  

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years? 

Personal

• To find a way of maintaining a healthy work/life balance.  
• Prioritizing family in ways I wasn’t able to while I was in the CCP program.  

Professional

• to find a way to be able to maintain a social practice that can make me a living, though not in an institution. I’m not interested in full-time or tenure track commitments to major institutions. It’s important that I feel agile and have the ability to be creative and to work within organizations where my opinion and perspective are valued.