6 Art Exhibits to Experience this Fall
There's a nip in the air and the leaves are turning golden, what better time to check out Calgary's visual arts scene?
We've put together a list of six exhibitions that will give you a taste of the incredible talent that our city has to offer - but don't take our word for it!
Almas de la Tierra / Souls of the Land at The +15 Galleries at Arts Commons
With the Arts Commons building reopening on September 8, there’s no better way to commemorate than to visit the +15 Galleries and experience SpanicArts' exhibition Almas de la Tierra / Souls of the Land in person. Celebrating the rich and colourful cultural background of Latin-America, this exhibition explores cowfolk culture in America, and specifically, the similar archetype of the cowboy that presents itself across Latin American countries, as well as in Canada and the United States. Catch Almas de la Tierra / Souls of the Land in person at the +15 Galleries (located between the Hub and admin offices of ATP and Theatre Calgary) before September 15, or take a virtual tour here. To learn more about the exhibit, click here. Almas de la Tierra / Souls of the Land is part of the RBC Emerging Visual Artist Program at Arts Commons.
Winnie Truong’s exhibit, Down in the Weeds, at VivianeArt
Explore the surreal worlds of Canadian artist Winnie Truong’s exhibition, Down in the Weeds, at VivianeArt until October 10. Winnie’s 3D artwork captures the imagination with her skillful use of "intricate pencil crayon drawings to create cut paper collages” and “raised cut pieces and dioramas” to create intense and beautiful worlds. This art exhibition is sure to captivate and transport audiences to another plane where Winnie’s “Wimmin Creatures” are unapologetically themselves. Check out this stunning exhibit in person until October 10. Click here for more information.
Every Second at TELUS Spark Science Centre
Immerse yourself in Every Second, the debut show of TELUS Spark’s new Digital Immersion Gallery narrated by Italian American actress, author, and philanthropist, Isabella Rossellini. Guests walk through a pathway in the 6000 square-foot gallery where they experience art through digital projection technology developed by the science centre with Supply and Demand Studio Inc., a company started by former multimedia director at Cirque du Soleil.
Every Second “takes the viewer on a journey about life, the moments that matter, the time that passes and the seconds that count.” Guests can pre-book their 30-minute timeslots beforehand and enjoy the rest of the science centre for a truly fun art-meets-tech experience. Book yourself for this immersive art experience that runs until January 30, 2022. For more information, click here.
Kiran Rai’s exhibit, Maharani Mentality, at artsPlace
Take a day road trip over to artsPlace in Canmore for Punjabi-Canadian contemporary artist Kiran Rai’s exhibit, Maharani Mentality, where she challenges patriarchal dynamics through her artwork. While you’re there, make sure to take in her mural Love For Humanity which celebrates the farmers of India’s farmers protest which began in November 2020 and is currently on going. Catch Maharani Mentality in person or virtually before December 14. Click here for more information.
RELATIONS: Diaspora and Painting at Esker Foundation
Curated by Cheryl Sim, this exhibition explores the many diverse interpretations of the meaning of “diaspora” and features renowned artists such as Yoko Ono, Manuel Mathieu, and Curtis Talwst Santiago to name only a few. “The wide spectrum of interpretations and fruitful relationships attached to diaspora experiences knows no bounds, which promotes constant dialogue with notions of kinship and identity in the current context of globalization and mass migration.” RELATIONS: Diaspora and Painting is a sure bet to leave your mind buzzing from the stunning artwork and deep conversations that the exhibit deliver. Check it out in person before November 27. For more information, click here.
Notes for Tomorrow at Contemporary Calgary
Reflect on our new global reality post-pandemic with this international traveling exhibit, Notes for Tomorrow. In this exhibit, witness selections from diverse artists across the globe curated by alumni of Independent Curators International’s (ICI) Curatorial Intensive. With the backdrop of the global pandemic, ICI asked its curators to question values in contemporary culture; the results are stunning art pieces that resonate with a shared global experience.
“In this cultural moment of transition, each work is a source of inspiration from the recent past and a guiding perspective for the future.” Experience this thought-provoking and timely exhibit in person at Contemporary Calgary before October 10. Click here for more information.
