VISUAL ARTS
THE BRAIN PROJECT is a series of sculptures honouring our most important organ, our brains. This special exhibition raises awareness of brain health. A number of artists have their work on display, with the 5 top works being voted by the public. Afterwards the artwork is auctioned off with proceeds going towards the Baycrest research hospital. Various locations in Toronto (Brainproject.ca, 416785-2500 ext. 6432). Until Aug. 31. CHERYL POPE EXHIBIT marks her first exhibition in Toronto to open this new project co-created with students from OCAD University and members of the community. Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W., 416-927-7433). Until July 4. A CITY TRANSFORMED: IMAGES OF ISTANBUL THEN AND NOW Once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul has thrived over the centuries to remain Turkey’s cultural and economic centre as well as its most highly populated city. This exhibition features nearly seventy images, from Ömer M. Koç’s collection, of the city in the latter half of the 19th century. Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr., 416-646-4677). Until Sunday. A LOVE LETTER TO THE GREAT LAKES A group of artists from around the world celebrate the largest fresh water lakes in the world through a series of outdoor murals. There are murals around the city, though the two primary spots are the intersections of Ossington Ave. & Queen St. W. and Queen St. W. near Soho St. Free. Until Sunday. LUMINATO includes art, theatre, film, dance, music and literary events from local, regional and international artists, playwrights and filmmakers. They’ll be showcasing their talents to the city throughout this 17 day event. David Pecaut Square (corner of King St. W. and John St.) continues to be the hub for the full ten days with nightly free concerts and events. Various locations in Toronto (Luminatofestival.com, 416-368-4849). Until Sunday. NUIT ROSE Largely taking place during the late night, this art exhibition features works from many different independent LGBTQ artists display work in a variety of forms. The work includes art installations, artist exhibitions, an art marketplace, performance, theatre and music, film, video and digital art, and some art includes audience participation. Saturday. Free. Several locations throughout Queen St. W. and Church Wellesley Village. Nuitrose.ca. PAINTING TRANQUILITY: MASTERWORKS BY VILHELM HAMMERSHOI To celebrate the Art Gallery of Ontario’s first acquisition of a painting by Vilhelm Hammershoi, this exhibition includes over 20 other paintings by the 19th century Danish master. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-9796648). Until July 3. SONG DONG’S COMMUNAL COURTYARD consists of 100 authentic Chinese wardrobe doors, creating small rooms and walkways to give the impression of how the lower classes live in cities like Beijing. The installation is making its Canadian debut and is part of Dong’s ongoing series, Wisdom of the Poor. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until July 17. STANDING TALL: THE CURIOUS HISTORY OF MEN IN HEELS This exhibit launches the museum’s 20th anniversary, challenging the notion about who wears heels and why. Though your mind may jump to the stiletto heels of a woman’s pump, heels have been a fixture in men’s shoes, from cowboy boots to biker boots to the earliest heels in the 17th century. Heels worn by celebrities are also a part of the collection, including Elton John’s famous platform shoes and John Lennon’s ‘60s Beatle boots. Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor St. W., 416-9797799). Until Dec. 23. TATTOOS: RITUAL. IDENTITY. OBSESSION. ART. This exhibition looks at the many ways in which tattoos have become a part of different cultures, and how they moved from the fringes into the mainstream in our own. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park, 416-5868000). Until Sept. 5. THOMAS RUFF: OBJECT RELATIONS This exhibition by the German photographer features 40 large work made with collected and found images, manipulated and altered in a number of ways. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-9796648). Until July 31. WHEN THE BEATLES ROCKED TORONTO Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last show in Toronto, this exhibit not only highlights the three shows the Beatles played in the city, but also how the ‘60s treated Toronto. Market Gallery (St. Lawrence Market) of the City of Toronto Archives (95 Front St. E., 416-3927604). Until Nov. 12.