ArtToronto

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  • The Grey Area

    Opening: Thursday, December 2, 7 p.m.
    GALLERY 1313

    An Exhibition of Work by Cindy Blazevic and Pascal Paquette is extended until December 11.

    Pascal Paquette , Cindy Blazevic, & Sarianna Mileski

    This exhibition is an epilogue to the artists’ project, The Culture  Lobby, which took place in the Balkans 2007–2010.


    The Grey Area is a site-specific installation of post-war documentary photography and painting about the shared post-war experiences,  symbols and culture of the Western Balkans.

    The reception was fun, and visitors were intrigued with the exhibition.

    Artists Christopher Arnoldin and Dorian Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has an exhibition currently on at Roenish Gallery.

    There was Croatian Beer, Ožujsko, and the conversation flowed throughout  the evening. Artists Cindy Blazevic and Pascal Paquette were on hand to greet visitors and friends and guide them through their exhibition.

    Text and Photo: Phil Anderson

  • Art Salon

    The upper level

    Opening: Saturday, December 3, 3 – 6 pm
    DE LUCA FINE ARTS /GALLERY

    The third exhibition at De Luca Fine Arts / gallery at its new location at 217 Avenue Road was a very well presented group show of  22 gallery artists from all over the world. It was a first show occupying both the upper and lower level of the new gallery. The interior itself is beautiful with new walls and an opening to a spacious backyard, a potential sculpture gallery.

    The higher level had mainly large paintings By Toni Calzetta, Flavio Belli and others.

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     Artist Tony Calzetta in front of his painting

    Artist Flavio Belli with his mixed media painting

    Artist Michael Toke and visitors

    The lower level has a nice shadowbox with Abraham Anghik Rubin inuit influenced sculptures, Janet  Bellotto’s lightbox with a playful tranparency, photgraphs by Vincenzo Pietropaolo among many other  interesting art pieces.

    The reception was well attended with many artists are disputing each others’ works and visitors from the beautiful condo neighbourhood and from all over the city.

    Artists Jiri Ladocha and Yuri Doic

    Photo: Corrado De Luca

  • SpeakEasy’s Annual Holiday Show & Sale

     
     
    Thursday, December 1, 2011
    7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
    The Gladstone Hotel
    1214 Queen West
    Second Floor Lobby + Studio Room
    Cover: Pay What You Can ($4.00 Donation Suggested) 
    For more information contact: David Brown
    T: 416-533-1374

     

    Chestnuts roasting, sleigh bells ringing and the season starts a-swingin’! Join us for holiday coctails, a few good tunes and another fantastic show. It’s an evening of arts, crafts and seasonal fun. It’s a chance to shop for hand-crafted holiday gifts. 
     
    It’s an opportunity for the public to see the work of 42 local artists
    ranging from quirky one-off ceramics to handmade soap, jewellery, books
    and hand painted Christmas cards.
     
    Participating Artists:
     
    WhiteLotus Design, Jewellery
    pépin d’or Jewellery
    Charming Fairy Beads
    Poetic Designs, Jewellery
    Fredrick Prince, Jewellery
    Jodes Jewels
    Pallina Beads
    Shawnte Designs, Jewellery
    Pikay Creations, Jewellery
    Its Your Life Handmade, Jewellery
    Sex on a Stitch, Risqué Crochet
    Joy Pottery, Functional Ceramics
    Flock of Tea Cosy
    Elizabeth Victoria Millinery
    Sneaky Moose Suedeworks
    Your Time Boutique Inc, Artisan Beeswax Candles
    Floating World Studio, Printed paper items
    Kempton Jones – Owlies of Ontario
    Deborah Sanderson, Jewellery
    okku design, Various paper goods and silkscreened items
    Arlumizú Designs, Handbags, & accessories
    Cookie Friday Co. | Crafted in Toronto
    Sallygirl Designs, Scarfs
    RedHen Craft, Blank journals and bookmarks.
    Chiho Tokita, Ceramic artist-potter
    Anneke van Bommel, Jewellery, prints and objects
    Priya Means Love, Organic botanical skincare
    Catherine Carroll, Fired Earth Tiles
    Offcut Studio, Wood objects
    DylaniumKnits
    Soap Scum, Soap for dirty people! 
    B the Balm, Artisan soaps and botanical balms
    Claire Manning, screen printed and embroidered goods
    Aww Gee, Fun creatures & accessories
    periwinkle blue, Hand made bags
    Natalie Waddell, Ceramicist & Maker of Things
    Bev Dywan, Party Glass, Upcycled home décor objects
    Wendy Jane, Bags and Accessories
    Katie Muth, Lino-cut prints
    bibu, Retro meets modern for home and baby
    Katherine Miller , Peppermint Robot Surprise
    Happy Seamstress
     
    SpeakEasy is a monthly gathering of Toronto’s creative community. It’s an opportunity to network, share ideas, and keep in touch with the pulse of Toronto’s creative professionals. Since 1996 it has grown from a get-together of a few friends to an event that now draws regular crowds of up to 300. SpeakEasy takes place 6 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month, at The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West)

    The atmosphere at SpeakEasy is casual…conducive to innovation and inspiration. Each month a selected group of artists from a different creative discipline displays work for the crowd. Some of our most popular shows have featured Photography (part of the city wide Contact Festival), Illustration, Industrial Design, Multimedia, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, and the SpeakEasy Craft Shows.

    Why is there a need for SpeakEasy? 
    Many people in Toronto are working alone these days. At a venue like SpeakEasy you can meet new friends and make new business contacts. SpeakEasy allows people to see what is new and exciting in the industry, and learn how other people tackle the day to day challenges of the creative field. SpeakEasy is very informal. There are no annual fees and no rules. The event is about creative people coming together to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and learn from each other. There are no other associations that are focused on helping creative individuals to help themselves.

  • Brothers of the Weird

    Todd James, Vanity Nemesis  2011, gouache and graphite on paper, 30″ x 22.5″

    November 25, 2011 – January 22, 2012
    COOPER COLE GALLERY

    The opening of Cooper Cole Gallery’s new exhibition, Brothers of the Weird, also marks the relaunch of the former Show & Tell Gallery under a new name. Brothers is a group show featuring the work of five artists—Todd James, Devin Flynn, Ian Flynn, Billy Grant, and Joe Grillo. Though most of these artists have never shown work together before, their vivid and uproarious visual language makes the grouping feel like a conversation among friends, which it is in a way—two of the artists are brothers, while Grant and Grillo are both members of the New York–based Dearraindrop Collective.

    The work is sharply psychedelic, graphic, and lushly-coloured. Todd James’ “Chloe” paintings are the stars of the show—with their still life-inspired composition, exuberant palette, and blonde bombshell in the foreground. James’ work takes cues from art history heavyweights like Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline, yet also shows signs of influence from his fellow Americans Philip Guston and Roy Lichtenstein.

    Dearraindrop members Grant and Grillo’s work also satisfies a need for colour and bounce. The group’s graphic design background is evident in the paintings which feel like Saturday morning cartoons reimagined by graffiti artists. The Flynn’s work is quieter by comparison. You can still hear the message—you just have to listen more closely.

    Daniel St. Germaine

  • A r t S a l o n

    Francesco Marchetti, Untitled, mixed media on fabric, 90 x 100 cm

    December 3 – 31, 2011
    Opening: Saturday, December 3,  3 – 6 p.m.
    R.S.V.P. to invite@delucafineart.com
    De Luca Fine Art | Gallery
    217 Avenue Road
    Toronto, ON, M5R 2J3
    T: 416-537-4699
    E-mail: corrado@delucafineart.com
    www.delucafineart.com.
    Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11-5pm

    This spectacular exhibition is your chance to see 22 artists at once. It’s the prefect introduction of what the new year will bring. Don’t miss it!

    _________________________________________________________________________________________

    ARTISTS:  Flavio Belli (Canada) – Janet Bellotto (United Arab Emirates/Canada) – Bruno Billio (Canada) – Emanuele Bonfanti (Italy) – Mauro Bordin (France) – Tony Calzetta (Canada) – Jerry Campbell (Canada) – Giovanni Cerri (Italy) – Giuseppe De Luca (Italy) – Daniel Diaz (Argentina/Canada) – Laura Fantini (USA) – Ciba Karisik (Canada) – André Krigar (Germany) – Jiri La Docha (Canada) – Ernesto Manera (Argentina/Canada) – Francesco Marchetti (UK/Italy) – Antonio Pedretti (Italy) – Vincenzo Pietropaolo (Canada) – Abraham Anghik Ruben (Canada) – Iner Souster (Canada) – Michael Toke (Canada) – Juno Youn (Canada).
    _________________________________________________________________________________________

    De Luca Fine Art | Gallery, established in 2004, is now located at 217 Avenue Road. The gallery represents and introduces Italian and International Artists to Canadian audiences. In collaboration with select Galleries, De Luca Fine Art | Gallery introduces established and emerging Canadian Artists to Europe.

    For more information regarding this event and/or our services, consultation, and art rental program please visit www.delucafineart.com

  • ineffable plasticity/the experience of being human

    November 18, 2011
    Opening Reception 8-11pm
    Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
    curated by Camilla Singh
    Artists: Matt Brown, Sherri Hay, Faith La Rocque, Jordan MacLachlan, Anders Oinonen, Susy Oliveira

    The receptions for these two exhibitions proved lively as the art and fashion crowd came out to view the contemporary art works and socialize.

      Leonard Brooks, Mocca curator David Liss, Simon Cooper Cole. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    The exhibit ineffable plasticity, the experience of being human in compassed a variety of media from painting to installation. Matt Brown’s Circle of Willis (ink on matte board) detailed drawings were engaging and colourful. The 30 works were depicting a recounting of the history of the world, lined the east wall of the gallery.

    Visitor in front of Matt Brown’s Circle of Willis. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Jordan MacLachlan’s terracotta plaster fired figures reflecting a cross section of life, are mounted on a series of tables stretching through the gallery, captured the attention of visitors. MacLachlan used a variety of oil paints and other media such as nail polish to colour his figures. The artist works out of car garage in downtown Toronto.

     Jordan MacLachlan’s terracotta plaster figures.

    Artist Jordan MacLanchlan. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Anders Oinonen‘s dark brooding paintings were compelling. Sherri Hays mixed media works were wonderfully graphic and revealing.

    Artist  Anders Oinonen. Photo: Phil Anderson

    Artist Sherri Hays. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Two of my favourite works were Crystal Ladder and Salt Ramp With Celestial Children by artist Faith La Rocque. The ladder with crystals suspended from the gallery’s ceiling was beautifully simple but embracing the theme of the exhibition.

    Salt Ramp With Celestial Children by artist Faith La Rocque. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Salt Ramp With Celestial Children by artist Faith La Rocque. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Hot Wet Planet and Nature Stoned (chromira prints on card with foam core) by Susy Oliveira were oozing of wild green garden imagery.

    Visitors check out work by Susy Oliveira. Photo: Phil Anderson

    Curator Camilla Singh has a reputation for putting together intriguing exhibitions and once again has not failed to deliver a clever and thoughtful exhibition that reminds us that we are bound by nature and its hold on us.

     Curator Camilla Singh, Artist Matt Brown & friend. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Visitor George Whiteside, photographer and friend. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Visitor, Eldon Garnet, artist. Photo: Phil Anderson

    Arnaqurk Ashevak, The Artist’s hand, 1991, from Human Nature. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Visiors with by Susy Oliveira’s Petal Piece. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Photo: Phil Anderson

    The galleries of MOCCA were packed and it would require a second visit to check out the works in details. It was a fun opening with nearby galleries also having openings at Edward Day Gallery and Clint Roenisch Gallery.

    The opening at Edward Day Gallery. Photo: Mauricio Contreras-Paredes

    Text by Phil Anderson

  • Black & White Fundraising Gala

    Saturday, November 12th, 2011
    VIP RECEPTION: 6:00PM
    VIP Dinner: 7:00-9:30PM
    BINARY PARTY: 8:00PM – 2:00AM
    Design Exchange

    Design Exchange  2011 Canadian Honourees are Karim Rashid, Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture, whose works and achievements were celebrated at Binary, the Design Exchange’s annual Black & White Fundraising Gala on November 12, 2011 at the DX. Each year the Design Exchange honors exceptional Canadian designers who are advancing the world of design.

    “Design Exchange has chosen to honour these three Canadian designers for their individual and collective achievements that have propelled them to international acclaim and helped brand Canada as a design-led nation,” says Design Exchange Chairperson, Tim Gilbert. He also notes that “Karim, Hani, and Lise Anne are role models for all aspiring young architects and designers, but especially to young women and newcomers to Canada.”

    Design Exchange VIP Gala Dinner- catered by Eatertainment Special Events

    Tim Gilbert, DX president and chair, honouree Lise Anne Couture (Asymptote Architecture), Cheryl Tiegs, honouree Hani Rashid (Asymptote Architecture), and honouree Karim Rashid, Karim Rashid Inc.

    Mosha Lundstrom Halbert, associate editor, Flare & Tanya Kim, host, Etalk

    Design Exchange after party on the trading floor (second floor)

    Dancer from DLM Dance Studio

    DX After party crowd

    Shireen Nathoo, Associate Director, Scotiacapital FX-Sales; Shay Lowe, Jewellery Designer; Stephanie Phillips; Ben Baldwin; Chris Mudry

    Photo by George Pimentel

  • Darlene Cole: Vintage Suite

    Vintage Suite (words to be true), oil on canvas, 11×14 inches, 2011

    December 3 – 17, 2011
    Opening: Saturday, December 3, 2-4 pm
    BAU-XI GALLERY
    340 Dundas St. West
    Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G5
    T: 416.977.0600
    E: toronto@bau-xi.com
    www.bau-xiphoto.com

    Darlene Cole is well known for the ethereal quality of her sof t dreamscapes and the narrative tension within them. Her work focuses on the disappearance of childhood and the loss of spontaneity and innocence as we transform into adulthood. Vintage Suite takes this concept to another place. Inspired by her artist’s retreat, a cottage built in 1909 on the shores of Lake Scugog, Cole taps into the feel of an earlier era. The patina of the retreat’s worn walls, the timeworn red velvet cur tains, and the texture of vintage linens discovered in an old trunk are all brought to life in this collection. As with her earlier works, there is a hint of intrigue behind the seemingly whimsical scenes. Cole relies on loosely rendered figures, curiously of f-centre compositions, and juxtaposition between the scene and its subject to challenge viewers.

    About the artist: Darlene Cole received her B.A. in Fine Ar t from Queen’s University, Kingston and her Masters of Fine Ar ts from the University of Waterloo. Cole is one of Canada’s most sought af ter young ar tists, with an impressive exhibition histor y which includes the Rober t McLaughlin Galler y, Oshawa; Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston; and the Kitchener-Waterloo Ar t Galler y, Kitchener. She is represented in collections across Canada, the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom.

  • Deconstructed: Works from the permanent collection

     James Wilson Morrice, Morocco-Carnival Time (detail), n.d., oil on panel, collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, gift of the estate of Kathleen Gormley McKay.

    November 19, 2011 –  May 2012
    The Varley Art Gallery of Markham
    216 Main Street
    Unionville – Markham  ON L3R 2H1
    T: 905-477-9511
    www.varleygallery.ca
    Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sun. 11am – 4pm,
    Thurs. 11am – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 5pm

    In anticipation of the opening of a new exhibition space dedicated to its permanent collection, the Varley Art Gallery of Markham presents a selection of works from this much-valued municipal collection.

    Formed from the initial bequest of Kathleen Gormley McKay in the mid 1990s, the Varley’s collection has grown over the years to include works dating from the 19th to the 21st century, due to the generous donations of members and patrons. With an emphasis on the works of Frederick Horsman Varley and those of his fellow members of the Group of Seven, the collection also boasts works from such artists as James Wilson Morrice, Phillip Surrey, Molly Lamb Bobak, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jack Bush and Sorel Etrog.

    After a short construction delay, the Varley will open its new $2.5 million gallery space this winter. The expansion has been made possible thanks to a major contribution from Mr. Wallace Joyce to the Varley-McKay Art Foundation in 2008. The Varley Art Gallery also wishes to thank the Town of Markham, the Government of Ontario and the Varley-McKay Art Foundation for their generous support of this project.

  • Susan Hiller: The Last Silent Movie

    PREFIX INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
    September 22–November 26, 2011

    Mysticism and intrigue are both key themes in Susan Hiller’s “The Last Silent Movie.”  This video projection and collection of etchings is based upon the recordings of some of the last remaining speakers of twenty-five endangered or extinct languages and plays a dual role as both a memento and a candid protest to the tragic loss of heritage and culture.

    Often including song, poetry and story-telling, these recordings are relayed in an informal setting evocative of a traditional movie house, with the translations being projected as subtitles on a fairly large wall. The recordings include Khulkhasi, Yao Kimmien, Jiwali, Ubykh and Welsh Romany.

    Common motifs of these recordings appear to be the loss of heritage, fear and concealment. Frequent anecdotes and humorous tales make this illuminating experience very heartwarming, not to mention entertaining.Susan Hiller, The Last Silent Movie, 2007. Lenape, 46.25 x 51.5 cm. Courtesy the British Council & Timothy Taylor Gallery (London) / Photo Credit: Toni Hafkenscheid

    Accompanying this auditory presentation is a series of etchings, depicting artist-selected phrases from the recordings, fed into an oscilloscope and put on to paper. All the twenty-four etchings present a single line that rises and falls depending on the unique elements of the specific utterance. While the audio recordings provide a tremendous auditory experience, the etchings are a visual equivalent.

    Haafiz Kalim