John Courtney and Jasmine Virginia at Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge
Art galleries are not the only places to showcase art. There are other beautiful walls that welcome artists to present their work. This year Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge, a long-established restaurant in the Annex, paired their innovative fine dining with an immaculate art event. The restaurant has officially launched its Artist Series, an ongoing celebration of artistry and connection that invites patrons to explore unique works from a variety of talented artists year-round.
As the restaurant’s walls transform into canvas, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the artwork. The series features rotating exhibits, with artwork displayed on the front, side, and back walls of the restaurant. Guests are welcome to meet the artists during opening and closing parties, get to know about their creative journeys, and purchase artwork anytime during the exhibit.
Opening night of Jasmine Virginia’s show, February 3, 2025. Photo: Nusrat Papia
Co-curator Patricia Borsato works with the Artist Series Team at Insomnia, where artists are welcome to introduce their work to the community. For those artists who may be shy or hesitant to discuss their work, or who may be searching for viewers, Insomnia Restaurant is a fantastic place to provide them with a platform. Patricia Borsato is thrilled to have two artists, John Courtney and Jasmine Virginia, showcase their canvases as part of the Artist Series, which aims to unite the community and foster creativity.
Jasmine Virginia at her opening party (second left) with her brother (left) and her parents (right) on February 3, 2025
When community meets art, a profound connection is formed. Jasmine Virginia, through all her canvases perfectly embodies that attachment with spectators at the show. At the fabulous opening night, February 3, 2025, Jasmine Virginia, an Oakville-based artist presented her light filled pieces. Most of the paintings feature black backgrounds with semi precious stones, crystal and antique jewelry, creating iridescent accents that convey the massage of light emerging from darkness. In “Cosmic Cross”, the metal wings and metal bangles embedded with crystal stars, are intended to represent the soul beyond the universe, unearthed from reality and transporting us on a cosmic journey.
Jasmine Virginia, Cosmic Cross, mixed media, 36 x 48 inches (left) and detail (right). Courtesy of Insomnia Restaurant
Adjacent to the piece is “Float on Peace”, with white flowers symbolizing peace in the dark, guiding us on a spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Attending the opening day proved to be a great opportunity to discover more artistic treasures, as Jasmine Virginia showcased additional pieces alongside her featured works, treating guests to a richer and more diverse collection. She believes that her art communicates individually with each viewer, conveying unique messages through the language of her five enormous paintings on display. For her, showcasing her artwork in the Insomnia Restaurant is an exciting new experience. She hopes to inspire people to perceive their own light as well as the light of the environment around them. She views this an opportunity to encourage viewers to reflect on life amid the bustle of daily routines
Jasmine Virginia, Float on Peace, mixed media, 36 x 48 inches (left) and detail (right). Photo: Nusrat Papia
John Courtney (right front) with his wife and daughter. Courtesy of Insomnia Restaurant
In contrast, John Courtney’s artwork takes viewers on a journey through time and memory. His handmade, unique pieces reflect on his deeply personal artistic journey, drawing from his life experiences, challenges, and triumphs. By incorporating elements of pop culture, technology, architecture, fashion, art, politics, and music, Courtney creates abstract art that does not have any specific outcome in mind but develops out of his exploration of mixed media, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with the world around them. The pieces C81 and C86 involve certain combinations of letters and numbers are pleasing to the eye and roll off the tongue effortlessly. Music magazine the NME released 3 cassettes in the 80’s, aptly named C81, C83 and C86. Each featured a different emerging genre and highlighted the bands associated with that sound and scene.
John Courtney, C86 (left), and C81 (right), both acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 24 x 36 inches. Courtesy of Insomnia Restaurant
The vibrant world of John Courtney’s art, where bold colors and thought-provoking themes come alive, awaits discovery. “Bar Code” and “Big Country” are energetic pieces that explore the intersections of music, consumerism, and everyday life. The striking acrylic and mixed media work “Bar Code” poses a poignant question: “Are you the consumer or being consumed?” Meanwhile, “Decoded” invites contemplation with its intricate grids and dots. This captivating collection awaits at the restaurant. The artist closing party on February 16, 2025 is a great opportunity to meet John Courtney in person.
John Courtney, Bar Code (left) and Decoded (right), both acrylic, mixed media and paper collage on canvas, 36 x 36 inches. Courtesy of Insomnia Restaurant
At Insomnia Restaurant, savoring delicious food while surrounded by eye-catching art from diverse artists creates an unforgettable experience. Jasmine Virginia’s radiant pieces invite contemplation on life and light, while John Courtney’s take us back to the past. With a new rotation of artists every five weeks, Insomnia Restaurant offers a unique opportunity to discover and connect with diverse artistic styles, allowing you to find the one that resonates most with you. As patrons enjoy their meals, they’re encouraged to ponder the connections between art, life, and their surroundings.
Don’t miss this opportunity to merge flavors and art! Reserve a seat and indulge in the intersection of taste, creativity, and self-reflection. Who knows which piece you will fall in love with and want to take home?
Nusrat Papia
*Exhibition information: John Courtney, December 16 – February 16, 2025 and Jasmine Virginia, February 3 – March 30, 2025, Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge, 563 Bloor Street West Toronto. Hours: 10 am – 2 am.