Art

Maple Syrup Art: Please Don't Leave—Love, Vancouver's Art Community – Capilano Courier

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2020

Jason Arkell-Boles // Columnist

If you participate in the Vancouver art scene, you’ve probably heard somebody mention that they’re “moving to Montreal.” Hey, even I’m guilty of saying it. Just a few months ago, my roommate and I, both filmmakers, decided that after we get our degrees, we’d want to move to cold, Canadian Paris. It’s hard to deny that moving to Montreal from Vancouver is an intriguing plan for anyone interested in the arts. Cheap rent, a huge creative community, plenty of jobs for young people, tons of art galleries make it a perfect city for up and coming creatives.

Not long after we made this brash decision, we decided that leaving our friends and the film industry in Vancouver may not be the best plan for us. But this got me thinking: Vancouver is a huge city, with tons of art schools, creatives, and alternative neighborhoods—all the tools a city needs to become a creative hub. So why then does our art community feel so dull in comparison to that of French Canada?

With myself and many of my close friends wanting to make a name for ourselves in the art world, I decided to figure out why Vancouver lacks the same artistic environment as other art hubs. What good art is coming out of Vancouver? Where are the scenes? Who’s making waves? What will future art historians write about the city as we live in it today?

Many would say Vancouver is an “artsy” city; that’s why I moved here from Kelowna to pursue film and photography. Anyone can walk down Commercial Drive or Main Street, see the murals and alternative folk, and sense that something creative is going on. In the past, Vancouver produced some great artists, huge names like photographers Fred Herzog and Jeff Wall, architect Arthur Erickson, and multimedia artist Bill Reid. Even Grimes grew up here, well, before she moved to Montreal. But despite Vancouver’s artistic history, which checks all the same boxes as Montreal’s, finding contemporary art and the innovators of modern Vancouver remains a difficult task. Where are these artists hiding, and which scenes are making the most noise?

As far as noise is concerned, the easiest scene to get into here and the first I found my way into was the music scene. Through venues such as the Avant-Garden and Red Gate, anyone can get a quick glimpse into the local musicians trying to make a name for themselves.

These shows are a great way to meet a bunch of local art types. The Red Gate Art Society, in addition to being a music venue, occasionally hosts art shows—giving a platform for artists to show their work publicly. While these spaces provide great exposure for Vancouver artists, they are few in number, and constantly under threat of gentrification and spiking rent prices.

Outside of the music scene, finding contemporary visual art in Vancouver can be a challenge. My attempts to find local art lead me to events like the Vancouver Art Book Fair at Emily Carr, VanCaf for local comic artists, and CanZine for art zines and books. Although these events are great for discovering new artists, they only occur annually and are always packed, making artist-to-artist mingling a challenge.

When it comes to finding artists in the area, Instagram (for better or worse) is the most popular way to find other creatives. Whether they be talented painters and illustrators such as my local favorite Julia Majer (@julimajer), or Instagram rogues such as colorful fashion photographer Conor Cunningham (@mescondi) and vintage-inspired high-fashion stylist/designer Carmyn Slater (@uglybeige), there’s certainly no lack of artists creating work in the city. With a huge number of artists working independently online, Vancouver still seems to lack any sort of organized artistic community.

When thinking of creating communities in the art world, I envision the golden age of New York art in the sixties and seventies. The New York scene gained its infamy through the organized spaces the arts community could call home. Andy Warhol’s The Factory, for example, was a hip hangout spot for local artists and Warhol’s most admired friends and creatives (also a bunch of speed users, but it was the sixties so who could blame them). At The Factory, you had the chance to mingle with all the names in the New York art community, year-round.

At the moment, Vancouver lacks collaboration in the physical sense. Mending this could involve more local galleries showing Vancouver-made artwork, or more cinema’s showing Canadian short films. Constant art shows and events are what the city needs to take off artistically, not just annual events, which don’t create a lasting platform. Montreal figured out how to make these spaces happen, so why can’t we?

Like most problems in Vancouver, the root cause is, of course, rent. Let’s not forget that not so long ago, the 333, one of Vancouver’s cornerstone music venues located in the trashiest garage in town, sold for 2.5 million dollars to a condominium developer. Regardless, I’m still optimistic that all of us poor, café-loving, tree-hugging Vancouver creatives can push forward by connecting with new artists in the community and showing each other kindness.

Through Instagram, Vancouver artists know of each other, but they don’t necessarily know each other. In a city as expensive as Vancouver, artists need to reach out to each other virtually, setting up collaborations, organizing events, or just meeting up for coffee to learn more about each other’s art. Vancouver’s creatives deserve a strong and supportive community to work in, as well as recognition on an international level. This sounds like a daunting task, but we can make this happen. All we have to do is reach out to each other and say hello. Who knows, if we all start getting to know each other better, maybe we won’t have to move across the country to be heard.

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

Published

4 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

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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