Art

Art show reflects on embattled history of ‘queer’ on the North Shore

Published

1 year ago

May 19, 2023

Before it was reclaimed to celebrate difference, the word “queer” was employed to punch down on people with minority sexual orientation and gender identity. The term and other like pejoratives have a dark past on the North Shore, which in part includes a former notorious columnist at this newspaper.

It’s this embattled history that’s at the heart of a new art show, Queer Bash. The exhibition opens with a reception Thursday evening (May 18) at CityScape Community ArtSpace in North Vancouver, and will be running daily until July 1. On opening night, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists while viewing their evocative creations.

Queer Bash is curated by Andy Warner, social engagement manager with North Van Arts. This is the first time in the organization’s 54 years that it will be putting on a show that exclusively presents 2SLGBTQ+ artists, she said.

But the idea for the exhibit came from Doug Collins, a columnist at the North Shore News from 1984 to 1997. Collins was known for his homophobic views as well as his Holocaust denialism. The latter led to him becoming the first person found guilty of B.C.’s anti-hate legislation in 1999.

“He was someone who regularly called us queers,” said Warner, who is a transgender woman. “And it was a slur back in the day – it still is to many people. But for many Gen Zs, queer is a word that we are reclaiming both for our sexualities to describe that they are different than the norm, but to also to recognize that our genders are queer, for many of us … that are using this word to signify a celebration of difference.”

The “bash” part of the event’s title is to throw a celebration of queer artists and their resiliency, locally and worldwide.

Queer Bash to show traditional as well as softer side of resistance

When discussions around having more queer programming at North Van Arts were happening around five years ago, lots of folks weren’t sure how their art would be received in the community, Warner said.

“In my personal experience growing up in North Vancouver, I was queer bashed my whole life,” she said, reflecting on the troubled history that extends to the education system. Warner reflected on B.C. Human Rights Tribunal case in the early 2000s between North Vancouver School Board and a former Handsworth student who was subjected to homophobic bullying.

The board argued it shouldn’t be liable for students’ behaviour, and won an appeal in B.C. Supreme Court on the grounds that the student wasn’t gay. But the B.C. Court of Appeal overturned that decision in 2005, which was considered a landmark victory for anti-bullying in schools.

Warner said bringing attention to this history is important because it reminds people that hate against queer people, and trans people, isn’t just an issue affecting folks elsewhere. As evidenced by a group of demonstrators gathering on the Mountain Highway overpass, the debate of free speech vs. hate speech is still carrying on in North Vancouver.

“Thirty or 40 years later, the same arguments of, ‘Well, that would never happen in North Vancouver – North Vancouver is a place for everyone. That’s an American problem. We don’t really have that over here.’ When in fact we still do,” Warner said.

“People are still being queer bashed over here … but it’s something that we hope will change.”

Through the exhibition, Warner said the artists want to show they are resisting in traditional ways – like the anger and passion typical of resistance movements – but also in ways people might not consider.

For example, there’s the purple and polka-dotted plushie-esque costume designed by Ivy Hazard that is featured on Queer Bash’s promotional materials.

“Miss Funny Business is a personification of the community care that we have to implement ourselves, because we don’t have the police on our side, and we don’t have especially many politicians on our side beyond Pride Month,” Warner said.

Many people don’t consider other health-care elements that are vital for trans folks, such as coverage for hormones and surgery, she added. “Even changing your name costs 930 bucks.”

“There are trans rights that we need in B.C. desperately. We can resist and we can protest loudly, but we can also resist and protest in softer ways.”

Queer Bash

Where: CityScape Community ArtSpace, 335 Lonsdale Ave.

When: May 19 to July 1

Opening reception: Thursday, May 18, 7 to 9 p.m.

Curator tour: Saturday, June 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Visit the North Van Arts website for more info.

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Art

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

Published

3 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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Art

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

Published

4 weeks 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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