Art
'Appalling' tracksuit heist at art gallery saddens hip-hop pioneer – CBC.ca
A pioneering Ottawa b-boy is hunting for his vintage velour tracksuit after it was stolen this month from a hip-hop exhibition at a local art gallery.
Stephen Leafloor, also known as “Buddha,” is one of the founding members of the Canadian Floor Masters. The crew helped bring “breaking” — or what’s often known as breakdancing — to Ottawa in the early 1980s. They opened for James Brown, Ice-T and Grandmaster Flash.
Leafloor called the blue and red Fila tracksuit “a vintage relic” from the early days of hip-hop with both emotional and historic value.
The theft makes him feel disrespected.
“It was a beautiful tracksuit,” he said. “It’s that crushed velvet velour… You feel magical.”
The theft was captured on camera at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Daly Street, where Canadian Floor Masters memorabilia was displayed as part of an exhibition on the history of hip-hop in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
The gallery’s director, Alexandra Badzak, said it happened Nov. 5. She said the entire operation took less than three minutes that afternoon.
“It was very quick,” she said. “They were out the door, unfortunately, before security was able to apprehend.”
Badzak said surveillance footage revealed that the thief climbed up on a glass display case and apparently used a tool to cut the wires holding up the tracksuit. Scuff marks are still visible on the walls.
‘I felt sick,’ curator says
Senior curator Rachelle Dickenson called the theft “appalling.” She said the tracksuit is representative of a period in hip-hop fashion — and losing it affected her deeply.
“I felt sick,” she said. “The first thing I thought of was that I needed to call Buddha.”
Leafloor was out of town when Dickenson broke the news.
He’s been drawn to “swag” from an early age. He still remembers what motivated him to pick up the tracksuit in the late 1980s during a trip to Detroit.
“When I saw it way back then, I was like, yo, LL Cool J rocks this – I want one too,” Leafloor said.
He posted a Facebook message on the theft, which has produced an outpouring of support and indignation. But Leafloor isn’t holding out hope that he’ll recover his tracksuit. He said he can’t put a value on an item with such a deep personal connection.
“I wish it would come back, just because it’s emotionally part of my life,” he said. “It’s part of who I am.”
No plans for stricter controls
Dickenson said the Ottawa Art Gallery has hourly security patrols. But anyone can simply walk in and out the gallery, which is free and open to the public.
She said the gallery will raise up suspended exhibits higher to make sure the public can’t access it, even by climbing up.
But there are no plans to impose stricter controls on public access to the gallery itself, she added.
“We’re not prepared to risk community comfort and that sense of ownership that community should have when they come into the Ottawa Art Gallery,” Dickenson said.
“This is an appalling incident. It’s a very rare incident. But it’s more important to us that folks feel like it’s their space too. Why would we punish everybody for the actions of one person?”
She said she’s currently tracking online shopping websites to see if the tracksuit turns up. If search efforts are unsuccessful, she said insurance is expected to cover its value.
Leafloor has no animosity toward the art gallery, which he commended for working collaboratively with the dozens of people from the hip-hop community.
“I wouldn’t make the decision that I’m pulling all my stuff out, because this is an important exhibit. Go see the exhibit if you want to feel and touch the vibes of the generations of hip-hop,” he said.
He hopes his experience doesn’t discourage others from lending their artifacts.
“This can have a beautiful impact on how we celebrate our history, and I would hate that not to happen out of fear.”
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
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.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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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