Exhibitions
WINTER 2012
Down The Rabbit Hole:
The Whimsical World of Pop Surrealism
February 10, 2012 to April 7, 2012
The AGC continues to push the boundaries and explore new fields of expression with its Winter 2012 exhibition, Down The Rabbit Hole. This contemporary group show features artists Eric Louie, Pilar Mehlis, Landon-Jon Ference and Heather Watts and probes the delightfully weird, wacky and whimsical world of Pop Surrealism. For more information read our online catalogue.
Heather Watts, 'Tree of Life' 2011
Understanding Pop Surrealism
Who hasn't daydreamed about diving down the rabbit hole from 'Alice In Wonderland' or fantasized about walking the trails with Dr. Suess? Pop Surrealist art does just that, incorporating such themes as the reinterpretation of fairytales, fantasy, urban mythology and comic illustration. In addition to its illustrative narrative qualities. Pop Surrealist art tends to deal with the relationship between reality and a dreamworld inhabited by human and animal figures and biomorphic shapes inspired from science.
Viewers might also find patters of emotion under the umbrella of Pop Surrealism. The work might spark curiosity in the viewer and/or a sense of wonder. Fantasy runs deep in these painting with underlying hints of sarcasm, humour, and melancholy; these elements become quite theatrial, navigating the audience on a journey through new tales and childhood classics. Pieces tend to focus on uncharacteristic qualities of being, where suddenly human anatomy takes on a new face: skulls and skeletons become characters engaged in lighthearted banter as each work tells an elaborate tale.
It's reality versus the supernatural within this sub-genre of contemporary art, with artists oftten zooming in on the ethereal quality of everyday life with a cosmic twist, or coupling a soft, muted palette with barely-there landscapes. This washed out vision invites the viewer to perceive the subtleties of reality in an unusual frame. Because of this layering, we are able to capture the big picture first, while slowly piecing together the narrative after.
Diana Thorneycroft
February 10, 2012 to April 7, 2012
The AGC is proud to feature the work of photographer Diana Thorneycroft and her latest and controversial series, A People's History. Thorneycroft's photography is comprised of carefully staged scenes set against the backdrop of historic Canadian atrocities. The artist will be present to discuss her work here at the Gallery, February 16 at 7pm.
Diana Thorneycroft, 'A People's History,' (Louis Riel), Digital Photograph, 2010