VISUAL ARTS
ACCUMULATION
Using a sewing machine, artist Amanda Mccavour creates thread drawings, three dimensional bloom-like forms representing flowers and Spirograph drawings, and installations with a thread that dissolves in water. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-531-4635). Until Jan. 29.
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF GODIN TEPE, IRAN
Iran’s 30-metre-high Godin Tepe ruins contained well-preserved artifacts from 4500 to 500 BCE (the region’s longest human occupation) including pottery, jars, cups and jewelry. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416586-8000). Until Jan. 31.
ARCTIC LIFE: LOMEN BROTHERS PHOTOGRAPHY
is an exhibit featuring photos that capture Inuit culture in Alaska during the early 1900s. Mcmichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinberg, 905-893-1121). Until Jan. 8.
This exhibition showcases over 100 objects from critically and historically renowned artists. From the late Renaissance to the PostModern periods, each piece examines the development of decorative art styles, social customs and material culture. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416-586-8000). Until Sept. 3.
THE ART OF COLLECTING BETWEEN CHAOS AND SEDUCTION: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM MEXICO
features 12 alternative and experimental Mexican artists of different generations who reference Mexico City in their work. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416-586-8000). Until Jan. 1.
CHAGALL AND THE RUSSIAN AVANT-GARDE
The AGO showcases works by Marc Chagall, alongside pieces by Russian modernists including Wassily Kandinsky, Kasimir Malevich, Natalia Goncharova, Sonia Delauney and Vladimir Tatlin. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-9796648). Until Jan. 15.
This exhibition features more than 50 works by Chambers, many drawn from the AGO’S collection of the artist’s work, including paintings, drawings, prints and films presented themati-
JACK CHAMBERS
cally around four themes identified by curator Dennis Reid: light, place, time and spirit. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-979-6648). Until May 13.
JACK CHAMBERS EXHIBITION
Canadian artist and filmmaker Jack Chambers is showcased in the Mcmichael Gallery exhibit “Light from the darkness, silver paintings and film work.” Ranging from surrealist to photo-realism, the exhibit features a rare selection of work from 1966-1967. Mcmichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg, 905-893-1121). Until Jan. 15.
CONSTRUCTING UTOPIA: BOOKS AND POSTERS FROM REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA, 1910-1940
This exhibit examines the era of revolution in the Russian empire, showcasing over 100 works, including books and posters focusing on political figures, events, propaganda, and literacy campaigns from the early years of the Soviet Union. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 15.
DESIGN EXCHANGE AWARDS: WINNERS EXHIBITION
The Design Exchange Awards shows off this year’s winners. The top 50 projects were selected from across the nation in the fields of architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, urban design, visual communications, fashion and CEO of the year. Design Exchange (234 Bay St., Toronto, 416-363-6121). Until Feb. 26.
EMBELLISHED REALITIES: INDIAN PAINTED PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE 1880S TO THE 1940S
India’s once-popular genre of photography is on display, with 60 painted photographs including works from 1880 to the 1940s. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416-586-8000). Until March 18.
FROM RENAISSANCE TO RODIN: CELEBRATING THE TANENBAUM GIFT
This new exhibit at the AGO highlights the many pieces of the European Collection that have been donated by Joey and Toby Tanenbaum, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s bust of Pope Gregory XV, the panel The Expulsion of the Money-changers, Hendrick Andriessen’s Still Life (Vanitas) and more. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-979-6648). Until April 1.
HARD TWIST 6 – OBSESSION
A signature event in the local art community, particularly that of textile arts, Hard Twist presents its sixth annual exhibition, Obsession. This year, see textile and fibre works of art that explore the theme of obsession through ideas, acts, or fixations. Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-531-4635). Until Jan. 29.
HAUTE CULTURE: GENERAL IDEA, A RETROSPECTIVE 1969-1994
is the first comprehensive retrospective exhibition of the General Idea Canadian artist collective. The exhibition features more than 300 works from the 1960s until 1994. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 1.
This collection is inspired by heroes in mythology, real life and current events. Ranging from acrylic, oil, mixed media, encaustic and photography, the exhibit features the work of 13 contemporary artists. MJG Gallery (555 Parliament St., Toronto, 416-923-4031). Until Jan. 1.
HEROES DAVID HOCKNEY’S FRESH FLOWERS: DRAWINGS ON IPHONE AND IPAD
This exhibition, featuring approximately 100 iphone drawings and 100 ipad drawings by David Hockney, takes a look at a new artistic medium and how it shapes visual culture. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416586-8000). Until Jan. 1.
IN FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHING THE ALBERTA AND MONTANA FRONTIER
is an exhibit showcasing the landscape of the American and Canadian Western frontiers throughout history, from 1870 until 1930. Mcmichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinberg, 905-893-1121). Until Jan. 8.
GRACE KELLY: FROM MOVIE STAR TO PRINCESS
The exhibit brings the iconic movie star’s wardrobe and films to town, featuring gowns, artifacts and films relating to the legendary film star. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W., Toronto, 416-599-8433). Until Jan. 22.
LEONARDO DA VINCI’S WORKSHOP
Da Vinci’s concepts spring to life in the new exhibit at the Science Centre. 16 exclusive scale models based on his inventions will be there, including the Great Kite flying machine, the Self-propelling Cart and the Robot Soldier. Ontario Sci- ence Centre (770 Don Mills Rd., Toronto, 416-696-1000). Until March 18.
MATERIAL EXPLORATIONS: THE INVESTIGATION OF NEW MATERIALS IN CRAFT AND DESIGN
Participating artists in this exhibition include Joy Charbonneau and Derek Mcleod, Cristina Covello, Jennifer Graham, Siwen Huang, Katherine Morley, Elaine Ng, Jonathan Sabine and Naomi Yasui. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queen’s Quay W., Toronto, 416-973-4000). Until Dec. 31.
MAYA: SECRETS OF THEIR ANCIENT WORLD
explores the interesting and mysterious Mayan civilization. Visitors will be able to learn about their Mesoamerican culture, which includes their complex calender, end of the world predictions and mysterious demise. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416-586-8000). Until April 9.
OTHERWORLDLY: THE ART OF CANADIAN COSTUME DESIGN
TIFF Bell Lightbox opens this new exhibit, focusing on the costume design in Canadian sci-fi, horror and fantasy films. Costumes from the films Repo! The Genetic Opera, Videodrome, Splice, The Thing and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus will be there, as well as pieces from other films. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W., Toronto, 416-599-8433). Until March 31.
THE ROARING TWENTIES: HEELS, HEMLINES & HIGH SPIRITS
explores the era when higher hemlines and shoes stepped into the spotlight as an important aspect of the stylish woman’s wardrobe. Showcasing the famous fashions of the day, The Roaring Twenties looks at influences like cinema, jazz clubs and world travel. Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, 416-979-7799). Until June 30.
features portraits of children drawn from the ROM’S 19th century Canadian collection, including recent acquisitions Eliza Cory Clench by Paul Kane and James, Kathleen, and William Mclaren by J.W.L. Forster. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416586-8000). Until March 31.
SITTING STILL SONGS OF THE FUTURE: CANADIAN INDUSTRIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, 1858 TO TODAY
features more than 100 images of Canada being transformed by the railroad, mining and lumber industries. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-9796648). Until April 29.
THE SUFFERING OF LIGHT
marks the first solo exhibition for American photographer Alex Webb, as he gathers some of his most iconic images together in one show. Photographing for over 30 years, Webb has travelled the world collecting images. Stephen Bulger Gallery (1026 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-504-0575). Until Jan. 14.
THANK YOU FOR PLAYING
looks at early video game aesthetics that inspired a generation, examining the socio-technological revolution that was spurred on by the development of an electronic medium. The exhibition features mixed-media works that looks at iconic vintage video games. Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga, 905-306-6000). Until Jan. 22.
THAT WAS NOW
In this exhibition Canadian and international artists take on art history. The subversive and pop-culture-inspired pieces include references to the famous Chinese terracotta warriors and the Group of Seven in “Group of Seven Awkward Moments.” The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416531-5042). Until Feb. 6.
asks how architects negotiate the dilemma of height in Toronto, taking into consideration a push for urban density as well as respect for neighbourhoods. Harbourfront Centre (235 Queen’s Quay W., Toronto, 416-973-4000). Until Dec. 31.
TOO TALL?
THE TSAR’S CABINET
showcases a selection of imperial Russian porcelain from the Romanov royal family. The exhibition features over 160 objects ranging from silver wares to glasswares and decorative enamel. Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, 416-586-8080). Until Jan. 8.
LUCY TASSEOR TUTSWEETOK
is a sculptor from Arviat, Nunavut’s southernmost mainland community, whose work uses hard grey steatite, carved by an axe. The exhibition features over 40 of Tutsweetok’s works, made from the 60s to the 90s. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-979-6648). Until April 1.