Western Canada’s art magazine since 2002
19 December 2023 Vol 8 No 24 ISSN 2561-3316 © 2023
Shelley Boettcher
From the Editor
In our polarized world, peace seems hard to find these days, and the art world is no exception.
But if we can’t talk about our differences, how can we find common ground? With that in mind, the latest issue of Galleries West has much to read — and to ponder.
First up: Victoria professor and writer matthew heinz talks about depicting gender diversity in art in From Visibility to Action.
And Alberta artist and writer Adrian Stimson has plenty to say on the subject of decolonization, Reconciliation and racism in his essay Indigenous Art Still Seeking Proper Recognition.
Then be sure to check out Sarah Swan’s essay, The Good, The Bad and the Morally Ambiguous. It’s a thoughtful, joyful, deep dive into what a life in art — and a love of Metallica — has given her. (Spoiler alert: It’s a lot.)
While we’re on the subject of difficult histories, we head to Vancouver for the group show, From Slander’s Brand, on now through Feb. 4 at The Polygon Gallery. “A single image cannot adequately represent a period of time, particularly one that is disruptive and chaotic,” says Reid Shier, the gallery’s executive director. “The artworks featured in From Slander’s Brand explore the contentious process of shaping memory and history.”
Go back in Canadian history with a look at art inspired by Cobalt, Ont. at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Guest curated by Dr. Catharine Mastin, Cobalt: A Mining Town and the Canadian Imagination is on now through April 21, 2024 and features the work of Canadian modern artists who visited the town between the First and Second World Wars.
Abbotsford’s South Asian Canadian community is the focus of Des Pardes, a new exhibition at The Reach Gallery Museum. The exhibition title comes from a Hindi-Punjabi phrase that translates to “home and abroad” or “motherland/other land” and is used to describe the South Asian Canadian experience.
And head to Southern Alberta to see Káínai Secwépemc artist Marjie Crop Eared Wolf’s new art, Ponokaakii, at the Helen Christou Gallery at the University of Lethbridge through March 9, 2024.
So much to see. So much that ponders what it means to be alive in interesting times. As 2023 draws to a close and the new year beckons, I wish you and those you hold close a year of peace, love and, of course, art.
As for us, we are already working on our next issue, to be published Jan. 9. Our first issue of 2024, it promises to be filled with more thoughtful insight into art across Canada.
Last but not least, a shout-out to one of our regular freelance writers, Edmonton's Agnieszka Matejko, who has been nominated for a 2023 Canadian Online Publishing Award (COPA) for her photo essay, Big Art, Big Smiles, which she created for Galleries West this past year. Congratulations, Agnieszka! (And watch for more stories from her in 2024.)
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE: matthew heinz, Adrian Stimson, Sarah Swan
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Alberta Media Fund, the Government of Canada Periodical Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts.
