Lorraine O’Grady, Art is...(Framing Cop) (1983/2009). C-Print; 16 x 20 in; Lillian and Billy Mauer Collection. ©2026 Lorraine O’Grady / Copyright Visual Arts-Droits d'auteur Arts visuels (COVA-DAAV)
Join us on Sunday afternoon, February 22 for sensational listening sessions curated by Jefferson Aladé, Curatorial and Marketing Assistant, responding to our current exhibition “Embodied Conversations: The Lillian and Billy Mauer Collection”.
Jefferson Aladé delivering “Tide Places” Listening Workshop, Shumka Centre | ECUAD Vancouver, B.C. Photo: Alison Boulier.
Embodied Conversations Listening Sessions: curated by Jefferson Aladé, Curatorial and Marketing Assistant | Feb 22, 2026
Session 1 - 1:00pm - 2:15 pm
Responding to Lorraine O’Grady, Lorna Simpson, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Purvis Young, Frank Bowling
Session 2 - 2:45pm - 4:00pm
Responding to Lorraine O’Grady, Jack Whitten, and Carrie Mae Weems, Eric N. Mack, Betye Saar
Inspired by Lorraine O’Grady’s “Art Is…” series, currently on view at Griffin, Aladé’s listening session explores the idea that we are all collectors. He encourages participants to bring a piece of music that responds to select works from the show. If you are unable to visit the gallery before the session, you can preview the exhibition on our website through our e-newsletter or virtual tour.
Listeners will then have the opportunity to share their music with the group and listen to it on a hi-fi soundsystem in collaboration with Space Lab, Vancouver’s premier shop for audio & vintage home decor.
The gathering is split into two sessions to create an intimate experience for those participating. Please free RSVP for only one session through our Eventbrite.
Session Details
Listeners are encouraged to bring music to share but are not required to.
Music Formats Supported: Vinyl, CDs, Cassette, Streaming
Capacity: 15-20 per session
Space is limited. Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
Light snacks and refreshments provided.
Soundsystem Provided by Space Lab
All levels of listeners welcome!
About Jefferson Aladé:
Aladé is an interdisciplinary curating designer who creates gatherings centered on collective listening experiences. His practice oscillates fluidly between creating and curating, approaching design as a form of listening and music-making as an act of play. Across his work, Aladé shapes conditions for encounter and exchange through sound, space and care.
Aladé has performed and designed sound programs for cultural institutions across North America such as the Hammer Museum, Red Bull Media House and Vancouver Mural Fest. Trained in Communication, Music Industry, and Design, Aladé holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Design (Interdisciplinary) from Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
In 2020, Aladé founded The Ryze, a playground dedicated to collective listening as both a cultural and pedagogical practice. The project has produced over 50 public programs spanning listening sessions, radio shows, and concerts, while also mentoring emerging cultural producers through curatorial guidance and support. Through this work, Aladé fosters critical reflection and insights on community organizing, collective authorship, and sound practices.
Aladé has recently served as Guest Curator at UNIT/PITT for the sound art project Sound of the Sun and as a seminar leader teaching Design History at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Currently he is the Young Canada Works Curatorial and Marketing Assistant at Griffin Art Projects.
Purvis Young, Untitled (Figures), (1980-85)
Mixed media on found wood, 121.9 x 241.3 cm / 48 x 95 in., Lillian and Billy Mauer Collection
© 1987, Purvis Young / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / CARCC Ottawa 2026