Eros and Psyche brings together the work of eight BC artists exploring sexuality, intimacy, love and desire as vital forces in human life.

Drawing from the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche, the exhibition considers erotic desire not only as romance or sexuality, but as a generative energy that shapes creativity, relationships and personal transformation. In the myth, Eros embodies desire while Psyche represents the human soul. Their love begins in darkness, without knowledge or awareness. When Psyche dares to look at Eros, she breaks the spell of unconscious union and is forced into a series of trials. This journey marks a movement from innocence to awareness, from blind love to conscious relationship. Psyche’s story suggests that love, and the soul itself, must mature through curiosity, loss, endurance and growth.

Psychologically, Eros can be understood as libido: a life force that drives creativity, connection, sensuality and curiosity. Libido is not limited to sexual desire alone, but describes the energy that compels us to make, to love, and to reach toward others. In this sense, artistic creation is deeply erotic; it is the act of giving form to inner impulses and lived experience.

Within North American culture, sexuality is often narrowly defined by ideals shaped by religion, youthfulness, and moral restraint. Aging bodies, spiritual sensuality, and expressions of desire that fall outside accepted norms are frequently marginalized or ignored. The artists in Eros and Psyche challenge these limitations by presenting desire as expansive, enduring and deeply human. Their works suggest that libido does not disappear with age or devotion, but evolves; remaining present through change, vulnerability and transformation.

Each artist approaches these themes through a distinct artistic practice, reflecting the many ways love and sexuality are experienced. Across materials, forms and gestures, the exhibition reveals desire as plural rather than singular; sometimes tender, sometimes fractured, sometimes quiet or overwhelming. Together, these works form a shared meditation on intimacy as something deeply personal, yet universally felt.

Eros and Psyche invites viewers to consider love and sexuality as ongoing processes rather than fixed states. Like Psyche, we are shaped by what we desire and by the risks we take in bringing those desires into awareness. In honouring libido as a life force, the exhibition affirms creativity as a space where instinct, consciousness, body and soul meet—and where transformation remains possible.

Three Comox Valley Poets bring their erotic poetic selves to celebrate the opening of the “Eros & Psyche” exhibition at Artful : The Gallery. The Artist Reception will begin with poetic performances by Liza Hughes, Joanna Finch and Toni Dunne, on Saturday, Feb 21, 7-8pm ($20 or pwyc). The evening will conclude with the artist reception for the exhibition featuring the work of artists Tessa Nunn (Comox Valley), Annette Nieukerk (Sunshine Coast), Joyce Ozier (Sunshine Coast), Tannis Hopkins (Sunshine Coast), Matthew Hildebrandt (Salt Spring Island), Nicky Evans (Sunshine Coast), Gary Dillon (Gabriola Island) and Rosemary Burden (Sunshine Coast). Exhibition runs Feb 18 thru March 14 at Artful : The Gallery. Regular Gallery hours Weds to Sat 12-5pm.