Art

Red Amautiit exhibit at Winnipeg Art Gallery commemorates missing and murdered Inuit women and girls – CBC.ca

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2022

The Manitoba Inuit Association launched a “Red Amautiit” exhibition recently in Winnipeg.

The project came after the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Several Inuit women made amautiits to showcase at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Gayle Gruben, who works for the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) and was the project manager, said though she couldn’t attend the event due to illness, she did watch it virtually.

“And it was spectacular,” she said. “The speakers … commended us on what we have done and what we were able to do for our Inuit who were impacted by missing and murdered women and girls.”

The amautiit is a traditional Inuit women’s parka used for carrying infants. The design of the amautiit differs across Inuit Nunangat, with some using different colours and embellishments. The “Red Amautiit” has become a symbol of remembrance of the Inuit women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have been lost to violence.

The opening of the exhibition was on the evening of Oct. 21 at the gallery’s Qaumajuq section. Gruben said her organization invited Inuit in the community along with dignitaries that supported them through the project. The exhibition runs until Nov. 7. Entry is free for Inuit.

Gruben said the exhibition was sort of an “end” component of the project.

The start of it came when the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls came to Manitoba in 2017 for family hearings. She said families had “urgently appealed” to MIA for support for family members. In response, MIA created a gathering place, which provided outreach, trauma-informed counselling, translation and cultural services, referrals, advocacy, traditional healing and other supports.

A portrait of a woman outdoors at night, holding a poster reading "In honour of my mom, Sarah Ovayuak." — Gayle Gruben holds a poster reading “In honour of my mom, Sarah Ovayuak.” Gruben works for the Manitoba Inuit Association as director of missing Inuit children of residential schools. (Submitted by Gayle Gruben)

Through that engagement came a women’s sewing group in Winnipeg, Gruben said, which consisted of families and friends who were impacted by the MMIWG. The workshops provided a traditional way to grieve, Gruben said.

“So, as women experience and take part in their culture through Inuit sewing practices, they begin to feel safe and comfortable enough to speak about their experiences of losing their loved ones,” she said.

She said much of the funding for the project came from the federal government’s Women and Gender Equality Canada branch.

Though the Red Amautiit project is done, Gruben is still working to identify children who went to residential schools in Manitoba, and is starting a new role for MIA as the director of missing Inuit children of residential schools, a new program for the organization.

She’ll be helping reach out to groups like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the University of Manitoba and the Hudson’s Bay company archives for possible information on Inuit children who may have attended any of the 18 former residential schools in Manitoba.

“So we’re just waiting for agreements from various archival areas and information holders so that we may be able to start researching and creating a database of children who may have not made it home or may have perished,” she said.

Then, they’ll be working with families to get direction on how to proceed — for example, whether it’s repatriation or commemoration.

“We want to ensure that no child is forgotten,” Gruben said. “And, if they didn’t make it home, that it’s important for us to work with the families to have something for them to have closure.”

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

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