In our new studio/office/viewing space we often discover engaging relationships between the works in the collection. From time to time we will share these moments of visual pleasure and, often, thought-provoking associations through small curated groupings. In the grouping below the focus is on the reflected, coupled, duplicated and doubled image.
We are also very pleased to congratulate Kim Adams and Carol Wainio, among this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media Arts. An exhibition of the GG’s Award Winners opens at the National Gallery of Canada, March 27. For more information about the awards visit: ggavma.canadacouncil.ca
informal ideas_WTG@S27; Couplings
Carol Wainio, Bunnies, 1998, acrylic on paper, 17.5″ x 29.5″
Carol Wainio, Bunnies (detail), 1998, acrylic on paper, 17.5″ x 29.5″
From Wainio’s early years she has embraced figuration and layering of fairy tale illustrations, children’s drawings and images from mass culture, -creating new and relevant stories within her masterful and beautiful paintings. Wainio often worked with paint on paper for her smaller works.
Kim Adams, Squid Head, 2000, watercolour & ink on paper, 22″ x 30″
Adams has long been fascinated with the double headed concept – double headed bikes and trucks and models that have been “kit bashed”. The models and related drawings are thoughtful, current and highly imaginative constructions. This drawing relates to one of four large works commissioned by the Vancouver Art Gallery as part of its program On Location Public Art.
Michael Snow, Ink Blot #2, 1962, ink on paper, 5″ x 7″
We are very pleased to have a rare early work on paper from Michael Snow’s the Walking Woman series. This small and very powerful work is a quintessential Snow from this period. At that time the walking woman silhouette was one of the major focuses in Snow’s explorations in painting, sculpture, photography and multi-media works.
Kristan Horton, Dr Strangelove Dr Strangelove, dr0027-s012, 2003, black and white ultra chrome archival print, 3.25″ x 15″
Kristan Horton spent many hours obsessively studying the classic Stanley Kubrick film Dr. Strangelove. Using found materials from around his studio he created his major photographic series, Dr. Strangelove Dr. Strangelove (2003–6).
Ted Rettig, Model of a Model #4, 2013, Clay and glass, 20″ x 10″ diam.
Ted Rettig has since the early years of his career made constructions of everyday objects; dishes, lamps, lights, bricks, etc.. He invests the work with a serene spiritual quality while producing beautiful assemblages. In the new work, Model #4, Rettig has folded the material into a totemic structure.