Ceremony of Innocence: Works by Bill Penner

Melt Studio & Gallery presents a solo show by Bill Penner.

The title ‘Ceremony of Innocence’ is taken from W. B. Yeats poem The Second Coming. The poem retains its relevance 107 years after Yeats set it down at the end of the horror that we now call WW1. As we waver on the edge of another in a seemingly endless series of global conflagrations, can we ask ourselves if humanity’s hour has come at last? Will we see rupture or rapture, and either way, will it be a blood-dimmed tide?

The four pieces in the exhibition reflect on the innocence of mankind, or the lack thereof.

Altarpiece – the work is inspired by the work of conflict photographers, photos taken during the artist’s lifetime. Are they innocent?

5 Girls – 5 young girls in an enclosed space. Are they playing? Or are they detained? Are they joyful, or uncertain? Are they innocent?

Look – A man stands, his back to the viewer, transfixed by the object in his hand. What is he looking at, turned away from us, as the world burns? Is he innocent?

Cassandra – As punishment for rejecting his advances, the god Apollo grants Cassandra the gift of prophecy, and the curse of never being believed. How many women today are not believed?

On exhibition in the FORMAT Gallery at Melt Studio & Gallery Thursday July 30th-Sunday August 23rd, 2026 (open Thursdays-Sundays 11 AM-5 PM).

All are invited to the Opening Reception: Saturday August 1st 1-4 PM. Artist in Attendance.

343 County Road 22, Barrack 3 @Base31, Picton Ontario.

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