Art
Art show features newcomers to Victoria – Victoria – Times Colonist
Victorians are being introduced to new approaches to art by newcomers to the city.
It was Fenghua Cui’s first in-person exhibit on Saturday since she moved to Victoria five years ago.
The former Beijing-based abstract expressionist artist — who previously catered to wealthy corporate clients and once served as an artist-in-residence for a major hotel chain for three years — was pleasantly surprised at the small but bustling premiere of You Are Welcome at the Pat Martin Bates Gallery in downtown Victoria.
Cui came dressed up ready for the red carpet, while most in attendance were wearing comfy sweaters and winter-ready clothing.
“Victoria’s art scene is a bit humbler,” Cui said in Mandarin. “In Beijing, everyone throws money around.”
Cui was one of 10 local artists with international roots featured in the latest art show put on by the Victoria Arts Council.
Kegan McFadden, the show’s co-curator and executive director of the Victoria Arts Council, said the idea for the show came to him when the city began seeing an influx of Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Instead of a narrow focus, the Victoria Arts Council decided to open the doors for all newcomer artists in the capital region.
Partnering with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, the arts organization eventually narrowed down to a selection of artists hailing from 10 countries in Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Maryam, a recent master of fine arts graduate at the University of Victoria who asked her last name be withheld due to security concerns, spent Friday setting up in the gallery space.
Her work, Veiled, featured a looping video of people running away from police amid a protest crackdown in Iran, hidden beneath a facade of hair and metal.
It’s one of Maryam’s more recent works that refer to then-widespread protests in Iran that began when Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly not properly wearing her hijab in Tehran.
“I’m still very impressed,” she said of the protests in Iran, where most of her friends and family reside. “The metal represents the strength and power of the women in my country when they were killed and shot in the streets.”
Maryam said she made the artwork as a way to process her emotions of what was happening while she was studying in Victoria. “I really had to get what was going on in me — out.”
Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala, who came to Victoria from Antalya, Türkiye three years ago, was presenting three works of embroidered art that drew on the tradition of coffee reading.
A common practice in their family, coffee reading is done by interpreting leftover grounds from a cup of Turkish coffee.
“In the old times, you would put gold [on the cup]. Nowadays, you just put a coin, and when it cools, you open it up,” said Gümüşpala. “For me, it’s more than just fortune telling. It’s about bonding, knowing more about the person your talking with.”
Some of Gümüşpala’s inspiration is from Canada, too. Weaved within the works are depictions of Yellowknife’s northern lights.
You are Welcome will run at the Victoria Arts Council’s Pat Martin Bates Gallery at 1800 Store Street until March 3.
The show is sponsored by the Victoria Foundation’s Andrew Beckerman Fund, along with support from the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, the B.C. Arts Council, the Capital Regional District Arts Commission, and the provincial government.
mjlo@timescolonist.com
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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.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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