Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment in Portage la Prairie is currently featuring "What a Woman 2.0", an exhibition by Brandon artist Tara Leach. Running until October 16, the display delves into themes of female identity, family, and personal history through evocative pieces, including self-portraits and mixed media works.
Leach’s art explores what it means to be a woman, blending vibrant colours and personal narratives.
"It's kind of a statement and a question at the same time," Leach explained. "I'm really interested in how women forge their identities. The question of what is a woman is also something that's on my mind when I'm making my artwork."
One highlight is a Mouton coat, worn by Leach’s mother in the 1950s or 60s, displayed next to a painting inspired by a moment when her daughter tried it on. The coat creates a striking connection between generations.
“As staff, we sometimes think someone’s standing there, but it’s just the coat,” Lee Beaton, Prairie Fusion’s Gallery Manager, said with a laugh.
Though Leach hasn’t been in Portage very much since the show opened, she’s received heartwarming feedback, with one viewer sharing how deeply they were moved by the personal stories in her work.
"I have had some people reach out to me," Leach shared. "A lovely woman told me she really enjoyed standing in front of the pieces, taking a long time to look at them, and feeling emotionally moved by some of the stories that I'm telling, about my mothers and daughters and grandmothers."
Visitors can view the exhibition Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays until 7:00 p.m.