Artists by Artists: David LaRiviere and Biliana Velkova
Public Relations
June 22 to September 16, 2012
There are certain responsibilities inherent in the act of occupying a public space. With Public Relations, Biliana Velkova and David LaRiviere seek to intervene with public space, mounting their respective projects within the Mendel Art Gallery as a reflection of what may also be found around the streets of Saskatoon. Referencing the encroachment of advertising, Velkova and LaRiviere navigate such public spaces in order to examine the constituent elements of “responsibility” within a consumer culture.
Kai Chan: A Spider’s Logic
January 27 to March 18, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, January 27 at 8 p.m.
Artist & Curators’ Talk/Tour: Friday, Janaury 27 at 7 p.m.
A Spider’s Logic brings together more than a dozen major works by Chinese-Canadian artist Kai Chan. Spanning 35 years, these works reveal the artist’s extraordinary conceptual and formal range, and illuminate his very personal manner of observing nature and the built environment.
Using everyday materials such as branches, thread, string, toothpicks, buttons and recycled plastic objects, and applying mixed-media techniques, he mixes, heaps, wraps, weaves, braids, layers, fastens, rolls, twists and stretches them to create fascinating and ingenious installations and sculptures.
Jamelie Hassan: At the Far Edge of Words
January 20 to March 18, 2012
Opening Reception:
Friday, January 27 at 8 p.m.
Exhibition Talk/Tour: Sunday, January 29 at 12:30 p.m.
with Jamelie Hassan and Professor Lynne Bell
Since the 1970s, Jamelie Hassan’s work has been influenced by cultural politics, social activism, and her background as a Canadian born to immigrants from Lebanon. Jamelie Hassan: At the Far Edge of Words is the first exhibition surveying the 40-year career of this award-winning, London, Ontario artist. Featured are watercolours, photographs, ceramics, a billboard, and multi-media installations.
The Symbolist Muse: A Selection of Prints from the National Gallery of Canada
January 20 to March 18, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, January 27 at 8 p.m.
During the 1880s, some artists in Europe began exploring an inner vision. Their personal, philosophical work marked a staunch opposition to that of the Realist and Impressionist artists of the time, who focused on recording the exterior world. “Mystery,” “suggestion” and “dream” are terms that evoke the strange beauty of Symbolist art. The exhibition includes intriguing works by such renowned and influential artists as Paul Gauguin, Odilon Redon, Edvard Munch, Eugène Carrière and Jan Toorop. The Symbolist Muse consists of some 50 masterpieces from the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
Brayers and Blisters: Inside a Printmaker’s Studio
January 20 to March 18, 2012
Opening Reception: Friday, January 27 at 8 p.m.
With Brayers and Blisters, the Mendel Art Gallery presents an exploration of printmaking processes from plate to artist’s proof.
This intriguing look into a printmaker’s studio features a beautiful, custom-built printing press, woodblocks, etching plates, studio supplies, and other related paraphernalia. A series of free demonstrations and workshops led by local practitioners offers visitors hands-on experience and further insight into printmaking processes.
Brayers and Blisters is curated by Public Programs Assistant Troy Gronsdahl.
Artists by Artists: Stacia Verigin and Benjamin Hettinga
Good Vibrations
January 27 to March 25, 2012
Good Vibrations features Benjamin Hettinga’s meticulous, hand-cut paper compositions, exploring pattern, colour, and line. His abiding interest in geometric design is informed by a wide variety of sources, from traditional textile patterns and ancient motifs to Op art. These intricate, labour-intensive paper works demonstrate Hettinga’s fascination with the handmade, an interest he shares with Stacia Verigin, his mentor. Verigin, who holds a Master’s Degree in sculpture from the University of Saskatchewan, hones her fabrication skills working as a contract prop builder for local television production companies. Her highly imaginative sculptures have delighted audiences across Canada.
