VISUAL ARTS
ANA MENDIETA: SILUETAS This is a rare exhibition of films and photographs by multidisciplinary Cuban-born artist Ana Mendieta (1948-1985). Though her work was variously associated with a number of artistic movements (particularly Land art and Feminist art), Mendieta’s radical, boldly political practice — whether in photography, performance, film, drawing, sculpture, mixed media and site-specific installation — is ultimately uncategorizable and distinctly her own. Contact Gallery (80 Spadina Ave., 416-539-9595). Until Oct. 29. ART AND INNOVATION: TRADITIONAL ARCTIC FOOTWEAR Essential for survival in the region, footwear has been a crucial part of living in the arctic. This exhibition highlights the functional uses of footwear for the 40+ cultures that have lived in the region and how they still found a way to express themselves artistically through them. In addition, garments and tools of the arctic peoples are also on display, providing a better look into their daily lives in one of the world’s harshest climates. Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W., 416-979-7799). Until Dec. 31. FASHION VICTIMS: THE PLEASURES & PERILS OF DRESS IN THE 19TH CENTURY The excess and luxury of the 19th century is put on full parade, along with the dangers of fashion more concerned with appearance than comfort or safety. Many of the sharp-looking shoes and clothing items betray the sinister insides that crush feet with their restrictive space or infect with their poisonous dyes. This exhibit delves deeply into just how far the men and women of the 19th century would go to look fashionable, often putting their own health at risk. Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor St. W., 416-979-7799). Until Jan. 23, 2017. PROMISED LAND: 125 YEARS OF UKRAINIANS IN CANADA presents original works reflecting Ukrainian Canadian life. This extensive collection of archival photographs depicts various aspects of early Ukrainian pioneer life in Canada along with old farming, mining, building tools, furniture, clothing and documents also on display. A documentary on William Kurelek will be shown in the museum library. Taras Schevchenko Museum (1614 Bloor St. W., 416-534-8662). Until Nov. 30. 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. WORLDS ON A STRING: BEADS, JOURNEYS, INSPIRATIONS brings together stunning examples of vibrant beadwork from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Europe, and explores the process through which beading practices have evolved, echoing and absorbing changing social and political circumstances as this popular new material inflected cultural perspectives and creative practices. It includes work by Zandile Ntobela and Zondlile Zondo, members of the Ubuhle artists’ community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as well as the Dene artist Catherine Blackburn of Saskatchewan, Canada, highlighting the significance of glass beads in the ongoing reimagination and reinvention of global traditions. Textile Museum of Canada (55 Centre Ave., 416599-5321). Until Sunday. THE WOUNDS OF WAR On June 3, 1916, a massive explosion wounded A.Y. Jackson during the Battle of Mount Sorrel, one of the toughest and most tragic of the Canadian First World War battles. The event changed Jackson’s life and transformed his art. This is an innovative new exhibition about A.Y. Jackson and Tom Thomson. Visitors will see Jackson’s only three known original drawings from his time as a soldier, on view for the first time since they were drawn in the heat of battle. McMichael Canadian Art Collection (10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg, 905-893-1121). Until Jan. 8, 2017.