27 January to 5 March 2006

Girl at Cafe Congo

Maxwell Bates

1963

Maxwell Bates
At the Crossroads of Expressionism

An in depth look at the Expressionist legacy of one of Canada's most important 20th century artists, Maxwell Bates: At the Crossroads of Expressionism highlights the themes that were central to Bates’ work: café scenes, prairie families, labourers, puppets, scarecrows, beggar kings, cocktail parties, odalisques; the Artists at Work series and such significant paintings as Puppet Woman (1948), Beautiful B.C. (1966) and Odalisque (1970).

Within Bates’ work, these themes and images are both powerful and symbolic. The work is often allegorical—a testament to the hardship and struggle of life—focusing on the oppressed but also on a voyeuristic fascination with the trappings of society. Wit, irony and paradox inform all of Maxwell Bates’ work with a maturity of vision that remains unequaled in early 20th century Canadian art.

Presented by The Edmonton Art Gallery. Curated by Michael Morris and Nancy Townshend

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Water Gods Playing Tricks (detail)

Ed Pien

2003

Just My Imagination

Just My Imagination presents recent work in the expanded field of contemporary drawing in Canada. It brings together 14 artists whose practice reflects a rigorous and sustained engagement with drawing’s broad ranging resources.

No longer placed at the edges of traditional media categories, this work assumes an understanding of drawing as an ambitious and self-sufficient practice—one that appears to thrive in an environment less bound to disciplinary divides. While most artists in Just My Imagination work on paper, few restrict themselves to working exclusively with drawing’s traditional means. Some actively extend classical drawing approaches into other media, such as textile, sculpture, digital media and performance, or provocatively cross disciplines to produce new visual compounds.

Participating artists: Stephen Andrews, Sheila Butler, Lucie Chan, Cathy Daley, Michelle Gay, Raphaëlle de Groot, Luanne Martineau, Jason McLean, Alison Norlen, Ed Pien, John Scott, Candice Tarnowski, David Tomas, Anna Torma

Presented by MMB Collective and Museum London. Curated by David Merritt and Kim Moodie

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The Pink Smith Show

Patti Shiplett / Miranda Jones

2006

artistsbyartists
Patti Shiplett / Miranda Jones

The Mendel Art Gallery's Winter 2006 artistsbyartists exhibition pairs established artist Miranda Jones with emerging artist Patti Shiplett.

Organized by the Mendel Art Gallery Programming Plexus

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My World Series: Park Avenue Parking

Hans Dommasch

2003

Naked City
Hans Dommasch
My World (exteriors)

In celebration of both Saskatoon’s centennial year and photographer Hans Dommasch’s 50th anniversary at the University of Saskatchewan, The Mendel Art Gallery is proud to present My World. This premiere Naked City exhibition features bird’s-eye view outdoor photographs taken from the Dommasch apartment in downtown Saskatoon. These images provide a unique and often unseen viewpoint of the city.

Organized by the Mendel Art Gallery Programming Plexus.

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