FOUR MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITS
Shows range from a look at Russian political activists to works by Surrey schoolchildren
Leaving all other exhibits in the dust, Velvet Terrorism is destined to be the highlight of this spring's visual arts offerings.
This look at the work and actions of activist collective Pussy Riot, which opens in Vancouver following the death of outspoken Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny, could not come at a more critical time.
Pussy Riot has been pitting its art and actions against the Russian dictator since 2011, putting themselves at risk and becoming a symbol of opposition against oppression.
On the other end of the visual arts spectrum is an exhibit of the innocent work of Surrey elementary school students. Somewhere in between is the conceptual work of Vancouver artists Paul Wong and Theodore Wan, and rare pieces by Gathie Falk.
VELVET TERRORISM: PUSSY RIOT'S RUSSIA
When: March 22-June 2
Where: Polygon Gallery, 101 Carrie Cates Ct., North Vancouver Info: thepolygon.ca
This survey exhibition of the feminist art collective draws from more than a decade of politically engaged performances, music and videos.
Member Maria Alyokhina has assembled documentation of Pussy Riot's non-violent political actions as well as the reactions of the Russian authorities to go along with videos, photographs, testimonies, song lyrics, and reflections. In 2014, the collective received the Hannah Arendt Prize for Political Thought, and, more recently, the Woody Guthrie Award, which recognizes the spirit of resistance through music, literature, dance or other forms of art. In addition to the exhibition, on March 21 Pussy Riot members will take part in a conversation with Velvet Terrorism curators at the Pipe Shop, a five-minute walk from the Polygon. And on March 22 the group will perform Riot Days, a concert based on Alyokhina's memoir of the same name, at The Pearl.
GATHIE FALK: REVELATIONS
When: Until May 6
Where: Audain Art Museum, 4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler Info: audainartmuseum.com
Gathie Falk: Revelations investigates the career of the Canadian artist, who is now in her 90s. Born in 1928 in Brandon, Man., she established herself in Vancouver as one of the country's most visionary and experimental artists.
The current 2022-24 touring exhibition, with more than 80 works and only two venues in Western Canada including the Audain Art Museum, showcases the range of her creative output in ceramic and bronze sculpture, acrylic and oil on canvas painting, photography and video, as well as multimedia installation. The exhibit offers art appreciators the rare opportunity to witness such famous pieces as The Problem with Wedding Veils, Chair with Fish and Pink Ribbon, Red Angel, and Picnic with Dog.
UNIT BRUISES: THEODORE WAN AND PAUL WONG
When: April 20 to June 30 Where: Richmond Art Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate #180, Richmond
Info: richmondartgallery.org
Unit Bruises brings together the works of Theodore Wan and Paul Wong, two Chinese-Canadian conceptual artists who were active during the 1970s. Both “mobilized their own respective bodies,” according to Richmond Art Gallery's media release, while using the visual languages of medical and procedural illustrations. The exhibition includes rarely seen works by both Wan and Wong.
ART BY SURREY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
When: Until April 21
Where: Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave., Surrey
Info: surrey.ca
The Surrey Art Gallery 's biennial Art by Surrey Elementary Students exhibit presents paintings, drawings, collages, and more created by students from 18 schools. Each piece is accompanied by statements from the artist and their teacher.
The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Surrey School District and the Surrey Art Teachers Association.