Art
'It's sharing my family story': How this Kitchener, Ont., exhibit goes beyond showcasing Indigenous art – CBC.ca
Indigenous artists from across Ontario are taking part in a unique art show in Waterloo region this month.
The Neebing Art Fair is a first for the region and opened to the public on Saturday. In some Indigenous languages, the word “neebing” translates to “by the river.”
Indigenous peoples share a deep connection with water, said Autumn Smith, an Ojibway-Odawa artist from Magnetawan First Nation near Sudbury.
“Water is life in our culture,” she told CBC News. Smith’s work is part of the exhibition at Bingemans in Kitchener that runs until August 21.
Smith said she’s wanted to be an artist since she was six years old, and though she was met with resistance, she said this art show is a testament that you can succeed.
“It’s really important for me to do this show because we’re showing people that we are working artists, that this is what we do and that you can be a successful Indigenous artist,” she said.
The exhibition also features work from artists Tom Sinclair, Blake Angeconeb, Chief Ladybird and Kitchener’s Luke Swinson and Alanah Jewell Morningstar.
‘It’s sharing my family story’
Smith and Sinclair, who is Ojibway from Couchiching First Nation originally from Thunrder Bay, collaborated on a piece together for the art show. They created a painting that tells the story of the first two grandmothers of Ojibway, Anishnaabe people.
“They were the first two people to arrive in Turtle Island,” Sinclair explained.
“They were looking for people, but they couldn’t find anyone. One woman took a bear for a husband and the other stayed alone and this is the story of that.”
Sinclair and Smith say the exhibit goes far beyond showcasing Indigenous artwork. It’s also about sharing Indigenous culture and teachings.
“I grew up my whole life thinking everyone knew what this stuff meant and knew how to make pictograph paint and knew how to interpret the symbols and that everyone knew those stories and as I started painting, I realized nobody did,” he said.
“Being able to share those things, it means so much more than anything that could come from this. It’s sharing my culture. It’s sharing my family story.”
Incorporating augmented reality
A big part of the exhibit involves connecting art with augmented reality to help people understand the meaning behind the paintings.
“It’s a new thing. We’ve never done this before and it’s going to be a new way for people to experience our art work and the way that it moves,” Smith said.
Using video, photos and audio, artists are able to tell the stories of images they depict in their work, she said.
“We’re all on social media and we post pictures of our paintings online all the time, but we don’t always get to explain what these things mean, the cultural significance of things,” Smith said.
The augmented reality component means they can work with anyone online, Sinclair adds.
“People who won’t be able to come to experience it in person, will be able to experience it online digitally,” he said.
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
Art
Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Art
Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
-
Sports23 hours ago
Canada’s Stakusic, partner Savinykh lose in doubles quarterfinals at Guadalajara Open
-
News4 hours ago
RCMP say 3 dead, suspects at large in targeted attack at home in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
News24 hours ago
Southern Baptist trustees back agency president but warn against needless controversy
-
News4 hours ago
Nova Scotia adopts bill declaring domestic violence in the province an epidemic
-
News13 hours ago
Local Toronto business story – Events Industry : new national brand, Element Event Solutions
-
News14 hours ago
Reggie Bush was at his LA-area home when 3 male suspects attempted to break in
-
News3 hours ago
B.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
-
News3 hours ago
Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt, who helped Detroit Lions win 2 NFL titles, dies at 92