Profiles: Wedge Gallery Originally appeared in PREFIX PHOTO, V.12 Number 2

Concerned by the fact that relatively few galleries focus on the unique emerging "new Canadian culture," Wedge Gallery presents photographic work that attempts to define a new national identity that represents all Canadians, including recent immigrants. Wedge Gallery is also dedicated to promoting international work of historical significance. For example, the Contact '99 exhibit, James VanDerZee - Portraits, conceived by co-director Robert Osbourne, was the first independent Canadian gallery showing of this Harlem Renaissance photographer, who documented nearly a century of Harlem life.

Initially conceived by Kenneth Montague, Wedge Gallery opened its doors for the first time in May 1997 in the hallway of Montague's Toronto condominium. Wedge is now expanding in order to collaborate with local and international galleries. Their next exhibit for Contact 2002, entitled J.D. Ojeikere: Photographs, will take place at SOF Art House just steps away from Wedge's original venue on Richmond Street West. These photographs represent the hundreds of distinct ethnic groups in Nigeria, each with its own language and traditions. The Wedge Gallery and SOF are currently planning a large exhibition tentatively titled Growing Up Black in Canada, which will feature images of black Canadians created by black Canadians.