Curious about how the art and literary worlds can connect in creative pursuits? Join Derek McCormack and Micah Lexier for an informal art talk at the National Arts Centre, hosted by the Ottawa Public Library. Settle in for a lively chat between friends who think outside the box, as they share insights into joint projects like City of Letters (2024), I Am The Coin (2010), and a series of clever multiples that serve as visual/linguistic gags. They’ll also take turns delving into some noteworthy ventures, including Lexier’s work with authors Christian Bök and Colm Tóibín, and McCormack’s recent exhibition, The Shithole Opry (2026), and its accompanying publication. McCormack and Lexier exemplify what can be achieved when you criss-cross artistic disciplines in mutual admiration. Whether you’re already a fan, or discovering their practices for the first time, their discussion is bound to inspire!
This is a special event in connection with programming for Ottawa Public Library’s new exhibition space, OPL Gallery, opening next year at Ādisōke.
About Micah:
Micah Lexier is a Winnipeg-born, Toronto-based artist whose activities include making, collecting, and organizing. He has a deep interest in measurement, increment, the passage of time, found imagery, geometry and display structures. He has collaborated with writers (Christian Bök, Derek McCormack, Colm Tóibín), family members, numerous school groups, the public, and too many other artists to mention. His projects range in scale and permanence from printed ephemera to public sculptures. He has presented over 120 solo exhibitions, participated in more than 250 group exhibitions and has produced seventeen permanent public commissions.
In 2015 Lexier was honoured with a Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts. Lexier’s work is in numerous public and corporate collections including The British Museum (London, England), the Contemporary Art Gallery (Sydney, Australia), The Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and The National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa). Micah Lexier is represented by MKG127, Toronto.
About Derek:
Derek McCormack is a writer and artist. His most recent books include the novels "Castle Faggot" and "The Well-Dressed Wound" and the essay collection "Judy Blame's Obituary," which collects his fashion writing for Artforum and many other magazines. He has contributed texts to exhibitions and catalogues by artists such as Alex da Corte, Abbas Akhavan, Alex Bierk, Kim Dorland, and Ken Nicol. As an artist, he has collaborated multiple times with Micah Lexier, most recently on "City of Letters," a large-scale public sculpture in Toronto. In 2026, Cushion Works in San Francisco staged "The Shithole Opry," a solo exhibition of jewelry and objects he created. The show is documented in the book "The Shithole Opry Collector's Guide," available from Cushion Works/DAP.
Practical Details
The event will end with a Q&A period. If you have a question for the artists, please send them to programdevelopment@biblioottawalibrary.ca by November 23 2026.
Accessibility
Ottawa Public Library is committed to making its programs accessible to everyone. If you need specific accommodations, please fill out this form: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/accessible-services-request-form
We prefer at least three weeks' notice for accommodation requests.
Venue Details
The event will take place at the National Arts Centre (1 Elgin) in the Azrieli Studio. The Studio is an intimate performance venue, with no reserved seating. The main entry is accessible. Accessible seating is available in the back row. All other rows of seating have multiple stairs to access. The main entry is accessible.
Transit
The NAC is located 650 meters from the Parliament Line 1 station, 550 meters from the Rideau Line 1 station, and steps away from multiple bus interchanges on Elgin and Queen Street.
Parking
There is paid parking on site at the NAC. The Elgin/Slater parking garage entrance is open at all times. Automated payment stations are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. The clearance for the parking garage is 6'4".