Though watching Ryan Trecartin’s films aren’t entirely a waste of time, it sure feels that way at the time. The hyper-intense mix of screeching voices, messily-costumed performers and banal scenarios come across like a reality tv show of drag queens on crack. Ryan Trecartin, Still from A Family Finds Entertainment, 2004. Image: kera.org Watch one of Trecartin’s videos on Youtube,
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Here’s Bravo’s glimpse behind the scenes of Canadian Art magazine and the Canadian Art Foundation where I work part time. Click the image to make it larger, or click the link below to watch the program. Image: VoCA The clip of the program Arts & Minds gives a good look at the people and ideas behind the magazine and some
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There’s a brou-ha-ha brewing in Vancouver over the Vancouver Art Gallery’s proposed move. Some Vancouverites have suggested that the VAG should not move, but instead remain – with an expansion – in its downtown location. The VAG. Image: bcheritage.ca Earlier this month, the Vancouver Sun posted an article written by the late Abraham Rogatnick, a professor at the school of
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DESIGN IS THE NEW ART. Art used to be able to change the way we see the world, but aside from the terrifying German artist Gregor Schneider, we can’t really think of any that does today. Design, on the other hand, has been proven to house displaced people, heal the terribly ill, rescue the desperately poor, possibly even save the
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WE LEFT THE WARM STABLE AND ENTERED THE LATEX VOID (WLTWSAETLV) is an artist residency, lecture series and project space located in François Lemieux’s Montréal apartment. Michael Pohl, This Will Get Better, 2008. Image: michaelpohl.de We love the format – it’s somewhat like VoCA, except for the ‘last only 20 months’ bit. It is run collaboratively by exhibiting artists. It
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The pavilion, which will sit on the lawn of London’s Serpentine Gallery from 5 July – 20 October 2010, is to be designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. The pavilion will bright red! Jean Nouvel and his work. Image: defpoints.com The building consists of bold geometric forms, large retractable awnings and a freestanding wall that climbs 12m above the
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So last week, we accepted an invitation to the “Cast and Crew” screening of artist Daniel Cockburn’s debut feature film, You Are Here at the Royal cinema in Toronto. All images stills from You Are Here. All courtesy Daniel Cockburn. Cockburn has, since about 2000, been at the top of VoCA’s list of ‘Most Promising Young Artists.’ He works in
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Well, we’re pleased to see that critical debate is alive and well across the pond. Witness the Guardian’s art critic, Jonathan Jones, who says that “The truth is that overanalysing art, as opposed to intuitively rating it, carries its own dangers. You can convince yourself of anything by study and sympathy.” Jones’ article in the Guardian. Image: VoCA The article
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Often, the spotlight eludes excellent artists who aren’t showing with the right galleries, or for that matter, any gallery. So…here’s an off-the-radar artist who is doing lovely, sensitive work about place and memory. All photos courtesy Sandra Hawkins. We met Ottawa-based artist Sandra Hawkins M.E.S., B.F.A., C.F.A., B.A. soc. through Facebook, and have been interested in her work for some
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In recent years, among Torontonians, there seems to have been increased interest and passion for the city. I heart Toronto. Image: igougo.com Spacing magazine, Yonge Street, Blog TO, Torontoist, Murmur, the ROM and the AGO, Waterfront Toronto‘s plans for the city (heavily covered by the Globe and Mail’s Lisa Rochon), they all speak to wanting to better our urban environment.
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Andrea Carson writes on contemporary art, architecture and design...