4 minute read
VISUALSPACE GALLERY
Professional photographer Yukiko Onley is the owner of VISUALSPACE Gallery. This commercial gallery is a jewel in Dunbar’s crown. When the gallery opened eight years ago, it was a partnership between Yukiko and two other artists; however, she has been the sole proprietor since 2016.
“What makes VISUALSPACE unique is we exhibit a wide range of mediums; we have displayed ceramics, various types of prints, textiles, sculptures, furniture, jewellery and, of course, paintings,” says Yukiko.
Yukiko Onley, owner of VISUALSPACE Gallery
@sandrasteierphotography
“My goal is to show quality artwork and reflect the integrity of the artists. Although I realize that I have a long way to go, I am moving towards my goal with the support of my customers and artists.”
The space is perfect for art installations with its high ceiling, deep floor plan and west-facing storefront. In addition, there is a lower-level gallery at the back entrance of the business.
Yukiko grew up in Osaka, Japan; she has lived in Vancouver since 1976. Her early training was as a painter. In 1989, painting led her to photography. Yukiko’s long association with Canadian artist Toni Onley both during and after their marriage, has significantly influenced her work.
Although the gallery takes up most of Yukiko’s time, her professional photography portfolio includes elegant, sophisticated, and timeless portraits, live dance, theatre, and wedding photography.
She intends to break the stereotype of intimidating and stuffy galleries and make VISUALSPACE approachable and welcoming.
Being an owner-operated gallery allows visitors to talk to Yukiko, who is onsite most days. She notes Dunbar is a highly cultured and educated community with a flourishing artists’ community.
Yukiko says, “Walking into an art gallery can be intimidating. This doesn’t seem to be the case with VISUALSPACE. People casually come in wearing gardening clothes and carrying Home Hardware shopping bags. I often mention that they cannot eat their ice cream from DQ inside the gallery. People feel comfortable coming in and looking around, and I am happy to be able to create that kind of environment. After all, art should be a part of our daily life just like music is.”
While art installations are the primary focus, VISUALSPACE is also available to rent as a venue for small concerts and receptions. The long room is ideal for setting up chairs and creating an aisle. After the ceremony, the space functions as a reception area.
People are incredibly grateful to Yukiko for injecting culture into the neighbourhood.
“Naturally, it is crucial for any gallery to showcase outstanding artists. It has been a challenge for me to find them; even though there are many self-claimed artists, outstanding artists are hard to come by. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, particularly Instagram and other social media, I have come across excellent artists living in the Vancouver area,” says Yukiko.
“Naturally, it is crucial for any gallery to showcase outstanding artists. It has been a challenge for me to find them; even though there are many self-claimed artists, outstanding artists are hard to come by. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, particularly Instagram and other social media, I have come across excellent artists living in the Vancouver area,” says Yukiko.
Yukiko strives to exhibit mainly local artists’ work.
She explains, ”Once I like an artist’s work, I always visit their studio to meet them and view their work instead of asking them to bring their portfolio to me. I believe visiting studios is essential to running the gallery since I learn a lot about the artist and their work. The right chemistry is necessary between artists and galleries.”
“One of the things I am very proud of is that I have established strong relationships with all the artists who have exhibited at VISUALSPACE. What I enjoy most is meeting and getting to know them.”
Many exhibits are scheduled for 2023. Upcoming shows include “Waterways” by Frances Obie (February 9 to 25) and “On the Edge of Where I Live” by Marisa Mary Myrah (March 2 to 18).
Pop by, meet Yukiko and enjoy spending time in Dunbar’s cultural sanctuary. As Yukiko says, “Life is better with art!”
VISUALSPACE Gallery, 3352 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC V6S 2C1
Phone 604-559-0576
www.visualspace.ca
www.yukikoonley.com
Story by Sarah Gordon, February 2023
