Art

U of G capturing the changing world of the pandemic through art – GuelphToday

Published

4 years ago

August 11, 2020

The University of Guelph has awarded over $70,000 to nine projects across disciplines that aim to tell stories of the current pandemic by simultaneously connecting artists and audiences through creative art.

The projects received $27,000 from the University’s Creating in a Time of Coronavirus Fund, with matching funds from departments, colleges and private donors.

One of the nine projects includes professor James Harley’s project called Interactive Improvisation in Times of Isolation where a group of seven students will create a series of 15 short audio-video recordings in response to sounds of nature such as early morning birds singing.

“Because were isolated and stuck at home, there’s less noise of machine and traffic and so on so and so we can hear more of the natural soundscapes around us,” said Harley.

Harley is working with seven musicians in the improvisational grad program who each play a different musical instrument and will respond to the sounds of nature with music.

“What they will do is listen to the soundscape recordings that we made —birds at dawn or whatever else we have — then they will improvise in response to that. Normally, we would do this all together but the isolation part is that we cant get together,” said Harley.

He said his team received approximately $5,000 in funding which will primarily go towards paying the musicians.

“The idea is that they’re improvising while listening to each other but not all at the same time like you would do if you were doing a performance or a concert.”

The final series will be shared online. Here is a pilot project Harley’s team created for U of G’s online Improvisational Festival online.

Projects will include journals, 3D artwork, music compositions and even comedy. The nine projects receiving funding for Creating in a Time of Coronavirus Fund are:

Datascaping the COVID-19 Landscape at the U of G Campus by professor Nadia Amoroso in the school of environmental design and rural development. Her team will develop 3D models of social distancing to create a series of datascapes to illustrate how the campus looked during the pandemic.

A digital journal called The Meaning of Making Meaning: Systems in Revolt, Systems in Renewal by professor Catherine Bush from the department of English and theatre studies. Through her project, artists and writers will explore how the world connected with one another during the pandemic, global crises and social justice movements.

Creating Virtual Spaces for Artists and Performers project by professor Christian Giroux of the school of fine art and music. His team will develop two virtual reality environments that will allow students and performers to explore two creative spaces on campus.

Interactive Improvisation in Times of Isolation by professor James Harley from the school of fine art and music. Harley’s group will create a series of 15 short audio-video recordings of individual improvisational responses to natural sounds (e.g., early morning birdsongs) and responses to each other’s improvisations.

A Tragic Comedy in Pandemic Times by professor Troy Hourie of the school of English and theatre studies which will take a comedic look at frustrations and woes endured during the pandemic.

A radio drama series called A Shot in the Dark: Theatre Ensemble Radio Play by Peter Kuling of the school of English and theatre studies. Inspired by the COVID-19 shutdown, the radio drama takes place at the height of the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918 after the Canadian military records Morse code beginning through the solar system.

Connecting Generations through Journaling by professor Kim Martin from the department of history where Martin and her team will distribute 200 blank journals to children from low-income/single-parent households and seniors in long-term care and give them ideas for artwork they could create related to COVID-19. They will then create a digital mosaic and slideshow to be shown on Art-Apart.ca as well as on screens across campus.

Creating bravery by professor Meghan McMurtry of the department of Psychology is a project that plans to create an illustrated children’s book that could help to mitigate needle-related pain and needle fear in children.

A Sonic Tapestry of Guelph Musicians’ Reactions to COVID-19 by professor Alyssa Woods from the school of fine art and music. Woods’s project will include 10 new short works by Guelph-area musicians.

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

Published

5 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

1 month 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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