Explore some of Toronto’s must-see exhibitions
By Kelsey Lyons
Spring is here, or is it? Seems like winter will be staying for a little while longer. Doesn’t mean your spring plans are ruined, why not cosy up in the art galleries of Toronto? There are many exhibitions to see during April and May, here are a few that I think are a must-see:
Outsiders: American Photography and Film (1950s-1980s)
Mar. 12-May 29
By Nan Goldin
Picnic on the Esplanade (1973)
American Photography and film participated immensely in the image of American life and how others perceived it. Photographers and filmmakers believed that American life wasn’t being visually represented well, so they took their own take of what they thought American life was like and demonstrated what they saw. This exhibition is a highlight of the AGO Year of Photography and it will feature work by Diane Arbus, Danny Lyon, Nan Goldin, Gordon Parks and more.
Painting Tranquility: Masterworks by Vilhelm Hammershøi
Vilhelm Hammershøi is a famous Danish artist and this will be the first time his work will be displayed in a public collection in Canada. He attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He’s become a popular favourite amongst poets and writers because of his contemplative works. He’s described as a “Painter of pauses, silences and in-between spaces,” — Mikel Bogh, director of the National Gallery of Denmark.The exhibiton will feature many portraits, including one of his wife (Ida Ilsted, 1890.) — a popular favourite.
SuperReal: Pop Art from the AGO Collection
Ongoing
Featuring popular and iconic photos from the 1960s, pop artists in America photographed, drew and painted what America was perceived to be after World War II.
Being displayed are some of the most important works of art, including:
Claes Oldenburg’s Floor Burger (1962)
Andy Warhol’s Elvis I and II (1963–4)
Tattoos
Apr. 2-Sept. 5
This exhibition explores the history, evolution and above all the meaning of tattoos. Tattooing is a 5,000 year old trend, which showcases the world’s history and different cultures. The exhibition will introduce you to popular tattoo artists, their work, and the stories behind them and their work.
The evolution of Mexican Fashion is rich and filled with culture. There will be 150 pieces on display, including some costume, textiles, beadwork and more.
Plasti Scene:
Apr. 29
This exhibition is inspired by the Classis Plastics Exhibition and will include some of the work of Emanuel Pavao, Eleanor King, more. These artists’ works are inspired by and are put together with plastic-based materials.
The Happy Film
May 1
Stephan Sagmeister is an Austrian graphic designer and he now lives in New York. Previously he has designed album covers for artists such as Jay-Z, but this time he decided to turn himself into a design project. Sagmeister wondered if he could re-design his personality and become a better person and train his mind to be happier? This film walks the viewers through his journey and experiences. The experiments conducted consist of meditation, therapy and drugs, there are of course pitfalls throughout the journey, but the film offers the viewers a chance to have certain questions about life, love and happiness answered.
Sheri Bakes
Apr. 9-23
Canadian painter, Sheri Bakes is known for work that explores light and wind in nature. Her work has been shown at Bau-Xi Galleries in both Toronto and Vancouver since 2002. Her collection will be featured as a solo exhibition until Apr. 23.
Wellington Street Art Gallery
Agatha Girard is a Canadian abstract painter. Girard uses her childhood memories, growing up along the western shores of Quebec as inspiration for her work. She uses rich, yet subtle colours, using abstract to form human faces and landscapes.
