VISUAL ARTS
12 TREES: LET THERE BE LIGHT focuses on light as a potent symbol of hope. Art installations include a discoball Christmas tree, a manually-powered holiday tree light show, an animated winter dreamscape and more. Curated by artist Douglas Coupland and vicepresident of public art management Ben Mills. Gardiner Museum (111 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8080). Until Jan. 7, 2018. ANDY PATTON: THE IN VAIN COLOURED ORIOLE are the latest in a series originally started after Andy became immersed in classical Chinese calligraphy. New paintings to this series include subjects that cover ecological crisis, death of a friend, separation from the past and more. Don’t miss the opening reception tonight from 6-8 p.m. Birch Contemporary (129 Tecumseth St., 416-365-3003). Until Jan. 20, 2018. CHARLES DICKENS: THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS Elevation Pictures and the Toronto Reference Library have teamed up to bring original Charles Dickens artifacts to Toronto. This exhibit features first edition copies of Dickens’ novels, personal letters and original paintings. It’s also in celebration of the new film The Man who Invented
Christmas that opened in theatres last Friday, rated 3 out of 4 stars by the Star. Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St., 416-395-5577). Until Dec. 3. CHEN CAO: SELECTED WORKS is a series of painted portraits and still life. Chen draws inspiration from the Dutch masters, combined with eastern philosophy on dualism and simplicity. This work expresses ideas of control and discipline relative to dualistic nature. Gallery 555 (555 Bloor St. W., Suite #6, 416-9859448). Until Dec. 30. CHRISTIAN DIOR The House of Christian Dior is celebrating its 70th anniversary, with this exhibit featuring more than 100 objects (designs from daytime wear to grand occasions) and reasons why its iconic designs garnered global attention and revived the Paris haute couture industry. Presented by Holt Renfrew and drawn from the ROM’s extensive collection from 1947 to 1957. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until March 18, 2018. EARTHLINGS is a group show of otherworldly, surreal and magical ceramic sculpture and works on paper, from artists with distinct cultural and geographical positions (from Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet, Kinngait/Cape Dorset, Qamani’tuaq/ Baker Lake and Toronto). Doris McCarthy Gallery UTSC (1265 Military Trail, 416287-7007). Until Jan. 27, 2018. FLORINE STETTHEIMER: PAINTING POETRY includes paintings that are playful, vibrant and psychologically complex. Florine Stettheimer is an early 20th-century artist (1871-1944), known as a painter, poet, designer and feminist. This is the first major exhibition of her work in North America in 20 years and the first in Canada. Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 28, 2018. GUILLERMO DEL TORO: AT HOME WITH MONSTERS From the fantastic to the frightful, don’t miss this rare glimpse into the world of renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and his cabinet of curiosities. Art Gallery Of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until Jan. 7, 2018. INSTALLATION AS A SUBVERSIVE ART examines the space between film sets and installation art, exploring how installation art can translate the magic on film sets to the gallery. The title of this exhibit is in reference to Amos Vogel’s seminal film history book. Xpace Cultural Centre (303 Landsdowne Ave., 416-8492864). Until Dec. 9. SCENE NOT HERD GROUP SHOW expresses the authentic spirit of the original Queen St. W. arts scene. Come see a mix of styles and media by the Five Lovely Guys collective. Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St. W., 416-536-6778). Until Dec. 2. VEHEMENCE explores the human body as a site of trauma and memory, with personal and collective narratives from Central America. Canadian mining companies extract over 70 per cent of the planet’s minerals, in turn being responsible for violations and environmental disasters all over the planet. Sur Gallery (39 Queens Quay E., Suite #100, 416-654-7787). Until Dec. 2.