Fixer is a gathering of image-makers, creatives, writers, and thinkers in an experiential critique session. Structured as an intimate, open dialogue between peers, Fixer brings together a group of lens-based artists presenting their works in the company of fellow artists and practitioners.
Fixer°4 took place in Montréal on May 24, 2025. Click here to learn about our cohort of artists and reviewers!
Critique and dialogue are integral components of Fixer; these sessions are built for feedback exchange to aid artists in the development of their projects, to engage in collaborative assessments, and to sustain resource and knowledge-sharing while building community. Following the critique, the session culminates into a home-cooked feast prepared by halftone collective (Beau and Leila!). Additionally, each Fixer edition is followed by a small-scale publication and a podcast episode, to archive the session, feature contributions on critique and the communal possibilities of image-making.
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Initiated in 2019 by visual artist Beau Gomez, Fixer aims to build kinship through advancing peer-to-peer support, and expanding the opportunity for artists and the extended community alike to engage in critical dialogue. Following two successful sessions, Fixer continues on to new heights under the nurturing hands of halftone collective – with Beau and fellow artist, community arts worker, and longtime friend Leila Fatemi.
Leila and Beau both studied in an arts academic institution, and recognize that the experience of formalized, conventional critique practices oftentimes can feel authoritative or prescriptive. Fixer actively restructures critique into a setting that is intimate, intentional, and one that encourages meaningful exchange between participants – regardless of academic background, artistic history, or profession. There are many photographers, filmmakers, and media-based artists within our community (particularly those who are emerging or resurging into their practice) who have yet to experience, be enriched by, or have properly benefited from critique. Fixer bridges this gap by embracing critique as a crucial piece to the process, and a mode of engagement that is equally experiential, relational and generative. Every Fixer session ends in a roundtable feast – our festive way to unwind, nourish, and further cultivate camaraderie.
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halftone collective acknowledges the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts to implement Fixer and its accompanying initiatives.
Past Sessions
Fixer°1 was held in September 2019. Following a hiatus as a result of the pandemic, Fixer°2 returned in November 2022 featuring student-artists from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Image Arts community.
Fixer°3, our latest edition, took place in September 2024 at between/space studios in Toronto.
