Sabrina Ovesen, Untitled, giclee
Dear Friends and Artists:
Come See the New Exhibitions at Gallery Vertigo...
Opening Reception:
This Saturday Night, April 26 from 7 to 9pm
Many of the artists will be present, including Vancouver artist Faith Moosang, the local artists currently exhibiting on the NOAA Members Wall and in the Window Gallery, and Gallery Vertigo's friendly and talented studio artists. Enjoy live music by Holly and the Earth & Sky Harpists, back by popular demand. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Entrance is by donation. Come and enjoy yourself and support the North Okanagan's only artist-run centre.
Address: #1 - 3001 31st Street (upstairs), downtown Vernon, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm
Exhibition Run: April 22 to May17
In Gallery One: Faith Moosang - March to May
Vancouver artist, Faith Moosang studied theatre and politics at the University of Guelph and then went on to attain a BFA from Emily Carr and an MFA from the Simon Fraser University. An accomplished artist with an extensive exhibition history, Moosang is best known for her photography, film, video and installation work. Through her work, the artist confronts the space between political agency and the anti-aesthetic.
March to May, portrays the artist's photographic reflections of the war in Iraq. Using the Iraqi landscape and following the timeframe of March 20th, when the bombing in Baghdad commenced, to May 1st, 2003 when victory was declared by US President George Bush, the artist abstracts the televised visuals through extended exposure times.
"Each photographic image manifests as a durational record of approximately five seconds of selected real-time video segments of the televisual event. The extended exposures lend themselves to visual abstraction and, by extension, to political obfuscation - a purposeful disavowal whose intent is the denial of a place of purchase." (Moosang)
The artist creates a skewed sense of reality and a confused, altered timeline. The result is a surreal view of a very real tragedy. This deliberate obfuscation actually serves to illuminate the fact that our view of the actual events of war is very controlled and influenced by what the media chooses to reveal to us.
"This piece works within the interstitial of space and time. It lies between the real-space of war, with human bodies, machines and geography, and the dematerialization of those elements into the televisual spectacle - between the real-time of war and the hyper-fluidity of satellite transmission. Geography and time-zones play their part. What day is it in Iraq? When did this particular assault take place? Yesterday? Today? Tomorrow? It slips into the surreal." (Moosang)
"I want people to ask questions, not only of the work, but of the world we inhabit." (Moosang)
In Gallery Two: Sabrina Ovesen - Candies
Also from Vancouver, artist Sabrina Ovesen attended Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in 1994. The artist has also studied at the Media Arts Institute at Capilano College since moving to the west coast. The focus of the artist's investigation was and continues to be the photographic arts.
Ovesen examines the relationship between the decorative arts and femininity in her portraits of porcelain figurines. The figurines are of different time periods, status and cultures and are presented on brightly coloured backgrounds. Ovesen has collected them as second hand throw away objects and has given life to them. In a few of her works, she has entered two figurines into one portrait sitting to make the prints either comical or politically charged. The viewer is put in the position of voyeur and is encouraged to examine these frozen but beautiful images of women and to consider and invent relationships between the objects. Candies likens these objects to women in several aspects: both are small, controllable, collectable and have secret lives.
"Arm candy, eye candy, and candy ready to eat. I want the eye to enjoy traveling over the surface of my images and I also want my images to contain something to chew on. Because I live in a female body, many of the images I create concentrate on issues of femininity and the body. Recently, I have become interested in investigating the relationship of decorative arts and the female body as decorative." (Ovesen)
"I want to make images of these women that give back their power and mystery. Photographed with candy coloured backgrounds, and the ambient early morning light, they have strayed away from their homes on shelves and mantles. Some of the images portray the figurines “life size”, without displaying their entire body. I also intentionally photograph the faces from the viewpoint of looking up. These figurines are made to be looked at, but now they can also look back. They are no longer under the viewer’s control." (Ovesen)
North Okanagan Artists Alternative - Featured Members Wall
Faces of Africa - Chiara Costa
This month our members wall features local artist Chiara Costa. Originally from Brazil, Costa has been drawing since she was a child. At her mother's knee she learned how to draw realistically. She admits to being a perfectionist and insists that photorealism chose her. She currently makes art full time. The artist's only demand upon herself is to enjoy her creativity "passionately and unconditionally".
"Art is a powerful communication tool. The mediums are different languages and each artist speaks their own dialect. In my opinion, there are no rules for what you should or should not create, or can and cannot question with your art. Nevertheless, the art product belongs in the world so I am learning to speak a universal dialect, one that is my own but everybody will understand. In other words, an artist is entitled to her/his own style as long as she/he is passionate about it. With portraits, specially concerning to realistic ones, what might seem obvious sometimes reveals other ideas or thoughts. Realism as an art school with its different styles might be a lot more daring than people might imagine. Some viewers could misunderstand it and say it has no “creativity” because it “reproduces” what the eye sees. However, realism is a choice that takes a lot of courage. It has to achieve what it was meant for since the beginning. It is a way full of challenges. Translating the power or grace of a look, a smile or tears is I dare to say, a talent that not every artist can count on. The realistic artist is someone fearless that trusts her or his own capacity to take it all the way." (Costa)
The Window Gallery: Helena Valk - Recent Work
This month our "window on the street" features several works by local painter Helena Valk. Fresh, unfettered and joyful could be used to describe this artist's colourful acrylics on canvas. Passersby are sure to be intrigued and are bound to linger at the corner of 30th Avenue and 31st Street in downtown Vernon for a hit of colour and an inspiring moment or two.
"I have lived in BC for about 18 years in Kitimat, Revelstoke and Vernon. The Okanagan is beautiful and inspiring. I am an untrained artist and love to just let my paintings evolve with no planning. Having worked most of my life in the clerical field it is now great to be free and express myself in this way. Colour and shapes in an unstructured whimsical composition reflect my personality and sense of freedom. I find it is better for me not to get too much advice or direction or to try to copy another artist's style and just be myself." (Valk)
In the Studios:
Something new is always happening, have a look around at what is going on this week.
Armstrong Spallumcheen Art Gallery
Works by Robin McDonald
May 1st to 23rd
Reception: Saturday, May 3rd from 11am to 1pm
3415 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Phone: 546-8318
The Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Presenting:
"Baba's Garden"
Come for an afternoon of Dance & Drama!
Artistic Director: Andrea Malysh
Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 2:00pm
Vernon Performing Arts Theatre
For more info call Andrea Malysh 558-2959.
Visit www.sadok.cjb.net
Admission by Donation
(min $5.00 per person)
Spring Splash Art Exhibition and Sale
The sixteenth annual event will be held on Sunday, May 4th from 10am to 4pm at the Oyama Community Hall. The show will feature original paintings nad sculpture by 16 local artists from Kelowna to Lumby. Admission to the show is free, with donations to the Canadian Cancer Society gratefully accepted.
Vernon Performing Arts Centre
Sveva - Prisoner of Vernon
A Film by Jim Elderton
Sunday, April 27th @ 7:30pm
This fascinating story spans 80 years in the extraordinary life of one of Vernon's most famous residents.
The film brings together the many facets of Sveva Caetani's life; interviews with her friends and colleagues, the huge collection of artifacts and photos, period film footage, her artwork, and her own writings.
The film explores the controversial life and work of Caetani, who was brought to Canada from Italy as a three year-old in 1921. At the age of 18 after Sveva's father passed away her mother plunged into total seclusion, taking her daughter with her. She would not leave that property for the next 25 years. Her release came at age 43 when mother died, and with little money, no life experience, not even a complete education she re-entered the world she had lost.
This remarkable film by Vernon’s award-winning filmmaker Jim Elderton (THE HYDERABAD SOLUTION and CAROLINE’S ROCK), treats this heart-breaking yet heart-warming story with a gentle greatness that brings Sveva to the Canadian centre stage she so deserve.
The Coatcheck Gallery
The Vernon Camera Club presents a wonderful new exhibition, Lens-scape, at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre's Coatcheck Gallery with an opening reception taking place on Wednesday April 23rd (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm). This photography show and sale is a non-juried exhibition and features works by local photographers. The show runs now through to June 2nd and is available for viewing to all tickets holders one hour prior to a performance and at intermission. |
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The Okanagan Artists League
Acrylic Workshop - Saturday and Sunday June 21-22
Acrylics workshop (but oils and watercolors are also welcome) with instructor, Lora Armbruster
Saturday and Sunday June 21-22 @ the Vernon Community Arts Centre, 2407 Hwy 6, Vernon, BC
REGISTRATION FEES: $ 100.00
Sponsored by the The Okanagan Artists' League, the 2-day workshop will be opened to members of the FCA in Vernon and Kelowna as well until April at which time the workshop will be open to anyone wishing to take it
This workshop is suitable for all levels, limited to 15 participants; first come, first served.
To register, please phone Kasandra Bardell (250) 549 - 2164 .
Shuswap Lake International Writers' Festival
Have you published a book and need to market it? Are you a publisher looking for budding writers who need your services?
This year's Shuswap Lake International Writers' Festival is being held on May 24 in Salmon Arm, BC. Eight authors will be sharing their expertise and experience in eight workshops, followed by an evening of readings. Close to 100 people are expected to attend.
We are offering 'trade tables' at the festival at a cost of $35/table, or $20/one half table for the day and evening. The festival runs from 8:45am - 9:00pm, with registration opening at 7:30.
If you are interested in joining us for the day, please contact Sally Scales at sally@jetstream.net of call 250-833-2129.
If you are unable to be at the festival on May 24 in Salmon Arm, we invite you to send a brochure which will be given to every person at the registration table. The cost would be $25.
Ineke Hughes, Pres., Shuswap Association of Writers
Box 1134
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P3
Komasket Music Festival
August 1, 2, & 3
We are very proud to announce that after 2 years of planning and negotiating 60’s icon and living legend Buffy St Marie will perform at this year's festival!
Komasket Fundraiser - Global Beats Spring Dan
Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 1am
A Fundraiser for the KMF & a Membership Drive for The KMF Society at Okanagan’s Best Party Venue – Fandango Farms – Irish Creek Rd
JamTree- Okanagan All-Stars – 4 piece band play world beat soul and dance music! 3 former members of Samsara! + Devi Dasi Dance Collective + Angela Roy’s Drum Group + DJ’s Ed Walter & Dave Miller + Jammin around the Bonfire Late into the night!! Tickets are limited - $20 at the Beanscene in Vernon, includes membership to the KMF Society (various benefits will be announced at the Dance)
Explore African Percussion!! Join award winning drum teacher Angela Roy for 3 workshops leading up to the dance and be part of the Tambour Drum Project opening up the show! Cost is $40 and includes ticket to the dance + (3) two hour drum workshops. More info on Drumming? Call Angela 250-212-7594
Devaki Thomas
Artistic Director - Komasket Music Festival
250-558-5455 or 250-306-6224
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Arnica Artist Run Centre - Kamloops
Something to Lean On
Opening Reception Friday April 11 at 7:00 PM
sculpture, painting and installation by Thompson Rivers University Students
Exhibition continues April 12 through Saturday May 10
Hours:
Thursdays 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Fridays 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Arnica Artist Run Centre
232 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC
supporting emerging contemporary artists
For more info please contact Doug Buis @ 828-5481 or email Dbuis@tru.ca
The Alternator Gallery for Contemporary Art
An exhibition by artist Jackie Sumell and prison inmate Herman Wallace, opened Friday, April 11 at the Alternator Gallery for Contemporary Art. The exhibition continues to May 16.
Sumell’s five-year collaboration and correspondence with Herman Wallace, a Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate, tried to answer the question: What kind of house does a man who has lived in a six-by-nine-foot cell dream of after 30 years of solitary confinement? Herman Wallace has been in solitary confinement at Angola Prison in Louisiana for 36 years. Solitary confinement consists of a minimum of 23 hours a day in a cell.
Herman’s case is currently set to come before a federal court, which will face the question of how long a sentence in solitary confinement is too long and at what point it becomes cruel and unusual punishment. Herman is one of two inmates at Angola who may have been held in solitary confinement longer than anyone else in US history.
In the darkest moments of his confinement Wallace turned to designing his house as a means to survive. Plans are now underway to build this house in his hometown of New Orleans LA. The exhibition at the Alternator includes an actual size replica of Herman’s cell, a computer aided design video of Wallace's dream house as well as dozens of letters, drawings and diagrams.
Sumell was born in Brooklyn, NY, and currently lives in Dublin. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Stanford University. Her interdisciplinary work transcends the boundaries of art and activism in its attempt to connect people in provocative and meaningful ways. Sumell has exhibited in New York, San Francisco, Cuba, Ireland and Germany.
Also in the Alternator lounge is a sense of my Self, an exhibition organized by Amanda Scandrett working with the Ranch Ehrlo Society youth in Regina. This project presents the voices of youth at risk.
Also new work by Mia Rushton, festooned!, will be exhibited in the Alternator Community Window in April. With plush acorns, florescent pink birds, dark clouds, printed patterns galore and all connected by a fine sewn thread, Rushton has opened the vault to a surreal study of the everyday. Work by artist-in-residence for April, Jennifer Pickering, will be featured in the window in May.
The Alternator, an artist-run centre located on the main floor of the Rotary Centre for the Arts at 421 Cawston Avenue in Kelowna, BC, is open from 11 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is by donation. All are welcome.
For information, contact the Alternator at (250) 868-2298, or e-mail info@alternatorgallery.com
Kelowna Art Gallery
Heather Thomas: Wounded
April 19 to July 13, 2008
Using a wide range of media, Qualicum Beach-based artist Heather Thomas will be creating installations of works in both our Reynolds and Rotary courtyard spaces this spring along the theme of war, armaments, and war injuries. Branching out from a background in printmaking, Thomas also creates three-dimensional works. For her installation here, for example, she will work with arrangements of used crutches that have been wrapped with lead, and cast-lead/wax pieces that read like excavated land mines. Although aesthetically beautiful, Thomas’s work nudges the viewer to consider the horror of the mass production of armaments and weapons.
UBC Okanagan
Anchor Tenant
The graduating exhibition is on now and should not be missed. It's an exceptional year with outstanding work to be witnessed! Sorry, I haven't received any information about this event, but just saw it myself yesterday and had to share. You'll want to see it.
Gallery Vertigo is a non-profit Artist Run Centre founded in 2002. The centre operates under the auspices of the North Okanagan Artists Alternative, a registered non-profit society. We are located upstairs at Suite #1, 3001 31st Street, downtown Vernon, in the historical Winnipeg Union Bank building across from Nolan's Drugs. Please use the side entrance under Krause Jeweller's awning. Hours of business are from 11:00am-4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For information call Gallery Vertigo @ (250)503-2297 or email: info@galleryvertigo.com. Our website can be found at galleryvertigo.com.
Vertigo Chronicle Editor:
Judith Jurica
(250)503-2297
judithjurica@shaw.ca
Disclaimer:
Please note: NOAA cannot be responsible for the accuracy of information received. Please check sources before making submissions to galleries or funding agencies, etc. Vertigo Chronicle content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of NOAA.
Exhibition announcements from member artists, arts info or opportunities may be emailed to: judithjurica@shaw.ca for possible inclusion in the Vertigo Chronicle.
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"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft
might win by fearing to attempt." (William Shakespeare)
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