What Bodies Know

The exhibition brings together artists Mike McNeeley, Chuck Melnychuk, and Sandrine Umuhoza in collaboration with WePress Community Arts Space. Their works reflect on lived experiences and social conditions of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside—narratives that also hold relevance with communities in Surrey.

Aligned with WePress’ commitment to working with those most impacted by systemic injustice, What Bodies Know grew from community workshops centering immunocompromised and disabled participants. These workshops focused on expressions of collective care, with McNeeley, Melnychuk, and Umuhoza contributing as peer workers. In these roles, they offered guidance, shared knowledge, and helped cultivate a supportive space grounded in accessibility.

Developed alongside the exhibition, descriptive and extend labels will provide visual details of the artworks, creating an inclusive experience that supports deeper engagement and understanding. Altogether, What Bodies Know reflects a collaborative and creative process, highlighting how art can serve as a tool for community connection and transformative dialogue.