Art exhibit features sculptures Saskatoon artist created from descriptions of lost objects - CBC.ca | Canada News Media
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Art exhibit features sculptures Saskatoon artist created from descriptions of lost objects – CBC.ca

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3 years ago

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A Saskatoon artist is using stoneware monuments to recreate lost objects — or at least her vision of them.

The Imagined Objects exhibit at the Art Gallery of Regina features sculptures and drawings by Saskatchewan artists Jessica Morgun and Tamara Rusnak.

Morgun’s stoneware monuments are created from her vision of a lost item participants described to her. She interviewed local community members in February about lost items, asking people to describe the objects while focusing on non-visual senses.

“I had them remember it just in terms of how it felt in their hands, what it smelt like, even what it tasted like, kind of like a material memory of the object,” Morgun told CBC Radio’s Saskatchewan Weekend.

“From that description, I created these stoneware pieces that try to represent what they described to me and become kind of the object’s second life,” she said.

She even asked participants to imagine putting the object, or part of it, in their mouth.

“One person described how the longer it stayed in her mouth, the more it started to disintegrate and kind of fall apart,” she said.

“I thought that was really interesting and evocative, so thinking about something that was kind of frail and porous that could possibly start crumbling when it encounters moisture.”

Saskatchewan Weekend10:30Imagined objects: a new art show at the Art Gallery of Regina

When Saskatoon’s Jessica Morgun created her art for this show, she asked people to describe a beloved object they had lost without telling her what it was. She explains to host Shauna Powers how she brought those lost treasures to life again in clay. 10:30

Morgun said there are also text panels on the wall of the exhibit with one or two sentences explaining the description she was given, then people at the exhibit can try to find which sculpture the text panel is explaining.

“They get to kind of play the guessing game and use their imaginations as well,” she said.

Morgun also gets to play a guessing game of sorts, as she doesn’t know what many of the lost objects actually are.

“I like not knowing because it keeps the mystery around those objects and it makes them a little bit more special or sacred,” she said.

However, Morgun said some participants preferred to tell her what the object was as a way of saying goodbye to it.

She said on one occasion the sculpture she created was very different from the object that was being described, while another time she had a pretty good idea of what was being described but didn’t want to make an exact replica. 

“I try to kind of remove myself from a guess when I’m making the object because, of course, the point is not to make a copy of the object. It’s to kind of get the feeling of the object,” she said.

‘Poignant and absurd’

The Art Gallery of Regina described Morgun’s stoneware monuments to lost belongings as “poignant and absurd” in a news release about the exhibit.

“I think those are great adjectives,” she said.

“Some interesting things happen with the challenge of translating these lost things into stoneware.… Some of these objects are malleable, they’re soft, or they have fur, or they have qualities that are really difficult to translate into clay.”

Morgun said for one sculpture she tried to create a soft and pliable texture that had tiny tendril using what’s called an extruder, which essentially makes long strings similar to spaghetti noodles.

“What it ended up looking like was just a bunch of ramen noodles,” she said with a laugh.

‘What it ended up looking like was just a bunch of ramen noodles,’ Jessica Morgun said with a laugh when describing the above sculpture. (Submitted by Jessica Morgun)

When the exhibit ends, Morgun said she’s going to return the sculptures to participants as a way to help replace the missing item or give it a second life.

“Even though some of the objects are silly, some of the lost things look kind of humorous, it is about loss and it is about grieving,” she said, noting that participants often described objects that represented an important time or relationship in their life.

“I feel like people found it a valuable grieving experience, a way to say goodbye to the object, but also look forward to a new life for that thing — or at least the memory of that thing — and kind of reflect on the human relationships and connections that that object really represents.”

Imagined Objects runs from Aug. 6 to Sept. 26 at the Art Gallery of Regina.

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

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6 days ago

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September 13, 2024

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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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2 weeks ago

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September 2, 2024

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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

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1 month ago

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August 18, 2024

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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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