VISUAL ARTS
ARTISTRY IN SILK: THE KIMONO OF ITCHIKU KUBOTA Itchiku was an innovative artist from 1917 to 2003, whose work gave new meaning to the art of the kimono as he often stepped outside conventional boundaries. Using the 16thcentury decorative technique known as tsujigahana, a combination of resist-dyeing techniques and ink-drawing, he made the kimono a radical and transformative art form. Textile Museum of Canada (55 Centre Ave., 416-599-5321). Until May 13. DEAR WORLD is an exhibition that takes a critical examination of what love looks like beyond romance. This group show breaks down what it means to love and the crucial role it plays in our lives. Arta Gallery (14 Distillery Lane, 416-3642782). Until Monday. ELAINE WHITTAKER: CONTAINED is inspired by the artist’s mother’s experience of contracting tuberculosis in 1944 at the age of 20, when she was sent to a sanatorium in Mont Jolie, Que., for two years of rest therapy and pneumothorax (a procedure that collapses the lung). To be contained is an act of restraining, holding something or someone down, trying desperately to keep control. This exhibit presents the liberating and traumatic results of this. Red Head Gallery (401 Richmond St. W., Studio #115, 416504-5654). Wednesday until March 24. FIGURES OF SLEEP is a show that asks whether sleep itself is in crisis and if it should be a cultural concern. The show pulls on anxiety about sleep, various technological advancements as well as economic stressors. Nighttime used to be a realm of rest, a creative summons as well as culturally valued, but in today’s 24/7 service hours of convenience, the human body and mind are being stretched in unprecedented ways. The Art Museum, U of T (7 Hart House Cir., 416-978-8398). Until March 3. HERE WE ARE HERE: BLACK CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY ART explores Black Canadian presence and history in Canada through ideas and issues of belonging, by nine African-Canadian artists. These visually compelling pieces allow an opportunity for thinking differently about the deep-rooted histories and enduring presence of Black Canadians. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-8000). Until April 10. LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK is a visual exploration of Canada’s relationship with Canada’s Indigenous people through the lens of the country’s prime ministers. An overview of 29 Cana- dian prime ministers, with photographs and documents that create a moving historical narrative since Confederation. Explore the country’s dichotomous relationship with the Indigenous peoples. Withrow Common Gallery (200 Princes’ Blvd., Withrowcommon.ca). Until April 7. MITCHELL/RIOPELLE: NOTHING IN MODERATION Would you lose your distinctive artistic style after working closely with another artist for more than 25 years? This exhibition embraces this question and explores the relationship between two legendary abstract painters American Joan Mitchell (1925-1992) and Canadian Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002). Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648). Until May 6. PAUL BUTLER: COLLAGE PARTY Butler wants to expand upon the German term of “Stammtisch,” a table where ideas are born. Collaging, film screenings, ping-pong, guest speakers, group therapy, listening parties, dinners and printmaking. This Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. the public is invited to join. Don’t miss the Closing Reception tonight from 6-9 p.m. Project Gallery (1210 Dundas St. E., 416-315-1192). Until Saturday. THE SEX SHOW is a curated group exhibition that pushes the boundaries about what sex can be defined as. Enjoy mediums of video, photography, collage and paint. These works explore sex-related themes. Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St. W., 416-536-6778). Until Sunday. THE SUNSHINE EATERS is an original multi-sensory experience highlighting how artists and designers look to the land and its plants in order to imagine and conjure hope at times of local and global crises. Don’t miss the artist talk by Toni Matelli, an exhibiting sculpture artist in this exhibit, this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Onsite Gallery (199 Richmond St. W., 416-9776000, ext. 262). Until April 15.