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Natasha Verbeke's First Solo Show at Franz Kaka Explores Gardens as Psychological Sites

exhibition · 2026-08-04

In Toronto, the Franz Kaka gallery is hosting Natasha Verbeke's first solo show, titled "I cried to dream again." This exhibition includes a series of paintings that explore landscapes with a familiar touch. Verbeke draws from photographs and historical art pieces, focusing on gardens as both visual and mental spaces, including references to the famed Villa d'Este, which was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este. Her style features striking brushwork and sudden marks, creating lively shapes. Noteworthy works include "In an ear, a whirlpool" (2026) and "Bed of dragons" (2026). Born in Vancouver in 1991 and now based in Toronto, Verbeke received her MFA from the University of Guelph in 2025 and a BFA from NSCAD University in 2020, along with multiple exhibition and award recognitions.

Key facts

  • Natasha Verbeke's first solo exhibition with Franz Kaka, titled 'I cried to dream again', is announced.
  • The exhibition features paintings that explore gardens as aesthetic, historical, and psychological sites.
  • Many paintings draw from images of Italian Renaissance gardens, especially Villa d'Este in Tivoli.
  • Villa d'Este was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este as an expression of power and ambition.
  • Verbeke's process involves building up, obscuring, wiping down, and finding forms again.
  • Works include 'In an ear, a whirlpool' (2026) and 'Bed of dragons' (2026).
  • Verbeke received an MFA from the University of Guelph (2025) and a BFA from NSCAD University (2020).
  • She was runner-up for the Plaskett Award (2025) and received Canada Council for the Arts grants (2023, 2021).

Entities

Artists

  • Natasha Verbeke
  • Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este

Institutions

  • Franz Kaka
  • Art Gallery of Guelph
  • Lalani Jennings
  • Anna Leonowens Gallery
  • Galerie Nicolas Robert
  • Stadium Projects
  • Zavitz Gallery
  • The Craig Gallery
  • University of Guelph
  • NSCAD University
  • Canada Council for the Arts
  • The Florence Academy of Art
  • MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning

Locations

  • Toronto, Canada
  • Vancouver, Canada
  • Guelph, Canada
  • Halifax, Canada
  • Dartmouth, Canada
  • Tivoli, Italy
  • Florence, Italy

Sources