FFWD Weekly
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| Visual Arts by Anne Severson ARTS UPDATE First pick of the week is William MacDonnell’s In Search Of Round Ponds opening at Paul Kuhn on March 13 at 2 p.m. These large layered acrylic paintings set in today’s Vietnam landscape result from MacDonnell’s exploration of place and memory 25 years after the end of the Vietnam War. There are lots of paintings in the galleries this week trying to tempt nature to show us her glory. Signs of Spring at Virginia Christopher is definitely an optimistic stab to remind us that spring is (or was) almost here. On view will be delightful groups of flowers and nature scenes by Luke Lindoe, Chaki, William Armstrong and others. More landscapes are at Canadian Art Galleries with On Site by Dorothy Knowles, one of the best-known prairie landscape painters, and Reta Cowley. These two senior Saskatchewan artists are good friends and have painted together for many years. Master’s Gallery had some florals and landscapes when I stopped in recently, and Kensington Fine Art Gallery said they will be showing Calgary’s internationally known Derek Besant’s Waterfalls. These pastels are collaged in a manner that evokes the power and movement of water through the Rocky Mountains. If you would like to see similar styles of work, stroll down to the other galleries in the 17th Avenue neighbourhood. In contrast to these feel-good organic nature paintings, The Alberta Series at Image 54 is dark and heavy despite their claim of being "richly coloured." Calgary artist Edward Mitchell’s small square textured works are gloomy but powerful abstract paintings using Athabasca tar, ox blood, Red Deer ochre and, for glitz, Yukon gold leaf. Last chance, almost, for the Arthur McKay and other connected exhibitions before they come down from the Glenbow walls by March 21. The relevant discussion series will be completed in style with Brydon Smith, the curator of 20th century art at the National Gallery of Canada presenting a slide lecture on Going Abstract: The New York School After 1945. Don’t miss this event at the Glenbow Theatre on March 11 at 7 p.m.; it’s free with reduced Thursday evening’s $5 admission. |
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