Art

Former gang member Kale Barr finds freedom in art – The Globe and Mail

Published

3 years ago

January 29, 2022

What started as therapy for Kale Barr has blossomed into a career.Nigel Midwinter/Handout

Kale Barr’s transformation into an artist started six years ago, inside his friend’s garage in Calgary.

The makeshift art studio was dark and often cold, with paintbrushes scattered about and music – electronica or classic rock – playing on a laptop. Mr. Barr would stare at a blank canvas before glancing at his inventory of paint colours and picking whatever palette suited his mood. His work, he explained recently, allowed him to unpack his dark and complicated past: the sexual abuse he suffered as an eight-year-old at the hands of a priest, the freak knee injury that ended what seemed like a promising pro hockey career and the near-decade he spent as a gang member.

“It was my first place of freedom and self-discovery,” Mr. Barr said in an interview. “I didn’t hide who I was or hide my art anymore, or that vulnerable side. … Art definitely saved my life.”

What started as therapy has blossomed into a career. Today, Mr. Barr’s raw, expressionist acrylic paintings have a growing following in Alberta and elsewhere. His art consultant, Allison Thompson, estimates the 33-year-old has sold more than 40 works priced in the $10,000-to-$25,000 range in the past six months.

“This is incredibly fast growth for an artist, and I strongly believe he will continue to grow,” said Ms. Thompson, a graduate of the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. “He is constantly producing in order to get his emotions and feelings out in a positive way.”

On the opening night of his solo exhibition at the Cascade Plaza in Banff this past December, a crowd that included art connoisseurs and Mr. Barr’s family milled about the space. They mingled and surveyed the canvasses on the walls, each covered with jagged slashes of bright colour that defied easy interpretation. Mr. Barr, with tattoos peeking out from his sleeves and shirt collar, was on hand to answer questions.

Artist Kale Barr painting at his home studio in Calgary in 2021.Nigel Midwinter/Handout

Growing up in Calgary, he gravitated to the arts at a young age – particularly painting and poetry. But his male peers mocked his talent, he said, so he carved out an identity as a hockey player instead. He acted as an enforcer on the ice.

Mr. Barr rose up the ranks, playing for the Seattle Totems of the Northern Pacific Hockey League in the 2008-09 season. He was deciding whether to join a minor-league team in Texas or move to Europe to play on a German team. Then he blew out his meniscus, dislocated his knee and pulled his ACL.

Without hockey, Mr. Barr bounced between jobs, mainly in hospitality or on oil rigs in northern Alberta. Even during his hockey career, he was building connections in the criminal world. He said he started selling cocaine at age 19, during his off-seasons in Kelowna, B.C.

“It was really hard not knowing what he was involved in, always worried about his well-being,” said his father, Errol Barr.

Before long, the younger Mr. Barr said, he was reprising his role as enforcer – this time for a gang, leveraging his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame to sell drugs and collect debts, often violently.

“I had to witness rival gang violence, shootings, stabbings, breaking bones. Honestly, about as bad as they can go, I was witness to,” he said.

Mr. Barr was charged with assault in 2016 after a fight outside a Fort McMurray bar. Thanks to a good lawyer and a lenient judge, he was able to walk away with probation, on the condition that he no longer associate with his gang.

Removed from his criminal life, he said he started to dissect 20 years’ worth of trauma and guilt.

“I was searching for reasons for being so angry,” Mr. Barr said. “It was like, ‘Kale, maybe you should acknowledge that sexual abuse you went through. Maybe you should start searching in your soul and finding out who you are.’”

“And all those reasons I needed validation finally made sense.”

As he worked on healing, he channeled that trauma into his art – into paint strokes sometimes interspersed with words and symbols.

By 2020, Mr. Barr’s art was gaining traction on social media. Nick Hissom – the operator of Wynn Fine Art and a stepson of Steve Wynn, the owner of Las Vegas hotels like the Mirage and the Bellagio – included Mr. Barr’s paintings in an exhibition in Miami last year.

This year, Mr. Barr is scheduled to exhibit in China at the Yudian Gallery, and at ARTME Limited Edition galleries in Poland and Germany. Because of his criminal record, travelling to the United States for shows is a challenge for him.

Mr. Barr said that whatever price he pays for his past will be well worth it. He cherishes his platform and the idea that his story can reach and inspire those who are struggling or in need of second chances. In collaboration with his Banff gallery, he has hosted mental health events that have addressed sexual abuse, depression and trauma.

Ryan Smith, a 36-year-old art collector from Calgary, bought a painting titled “Black and White” for $12,500 during the show in Banff. It was one of four pieces sold that night.

“You just see it and it just hits so hard,” Mr. Smith said. He noted that he had experienced sexual abuse as a child himself. “I was able to kind of see his heart, see what he went through as a kid.”

Mr. Barr’s father, Errol, now has one of his son’s canvases hanging in his living room – a large piece full of brilliant blue, grey, white and black. “Our drive home that night back from Banff, my wife and I could not stop talking about the event,” Errol said. “And how proud we are of him.”

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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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