*Due to overwhelming response of these talks, pre-registration is required as seating is limited. This winter’s talk series is devoted to the AGH’s major William Kurelek exhibition on view from late January through April. A complex and fascinating man and artist, Kurelek’s practice was far more than Prairie scenes and children at play, and included an exploration of his battle with mental illness and devote faith. This lecture series will explore the many sides of this intriguing man, his art and his message – from a variety of perspectives including friends, contemporaries, curators and critics.
All talks begin at 6:30 pm:
Thursday, February 16 - In Conversation: Tony Urquhart and Dennis Reid William Kurelek and Tony Urquhart were both part of the important group of artists associated with The Isaacs Gallery in Toronto. Urquhart’s first exhibition was in 1957 and Kurelek’s in 1960 and both continued showing there in the 60s and 70s. At a time when abstraction was king, Kurelek’s representational and narrative works were at odds with the work of many of his peers. Please join us as Tony Urquhart and Canadian art historian and curator Dennis Reid discuss the Toronto art world in the 60s and 70s, the role of The Isaacs Gallery in Kurelek’s career and how Kurelek did (or did not) participate in ‘the scene.’
Thursday, March 8 - In the Workshop: Craftsman, Framer and Artist Brian Dedora worked alongside William Kurelek as a picture framer for six years at The Isaacs Gallery and grew to understand the man and the artist. He will share stories of their friendship and provide an inside look at the artist’s meticulous attention to detail, his sense of humour and his relentless drive to create. He will also share his insights about Kurelek’s unique hand-crafted picture frames.
Thursday, March 22 - Film Screening: William Kurelek’s The Maze In 1969, award-winning American filmmaker Robert Young made a fascinating biographical film about William Kurelek. Entitled The Maze, the documentary explores, through his paintings and on-camera revelations, various facets of Kurelek’s artistic and emotional journey. At the time, Young had a longer and more complex version in mind, but was unable to complete it. Over 40 years later, Young’s sons Nick and Zack have uncovered and completed their father’s work. The resulting film will premiere in Ontario with this screening, with Nick Young in attendance for a post-screening Q&A. Click here for official website and trailer.
Thursday, April 5 - William Kurelek’s Passion of Christ: A Cinematic Vision Join Debra Attenborough, Director of the Niagara Falls Art Gallery (home to Kurelek’s The Passion of Christ series) as she discusses Kurelek’s pivotal series The Passion of Christ according to St. Matthew. Influenced by the increasing popularity of television, Kurelek viewed this series as a storyboard, a preparation for the development of a TV or movie production based on his images.
Thursday, April 19 - A Critic’s Perspective: Kurelek, A Singular Artist Among Many Join Robert Enright, artist, art critic and professor, as he takes a look at Kurelek through the lens of artistic production, both historical and contemporary. Kurelek’s work was very different from that of his peers, but the legacy of artists like Bruegel and Bosch can be seen in much of his work. Enright will examine the grim, the frightening and the funny through a varied and interesting selection of artists, placing Kurelek among a group of artists who shared his vision if not his generation.
Package of all SIX talks:AGH Members $30 | Students & Seniors $50 | Non-Members $60
Individual talks:AGH Members $6 | Students & Seniors $10 | Non-Members $12
Online (closes midnight prior to talk)
In person at the AGH Front Desk or Shop at AGH during Gallery hours
Thursday, February 2 - Discover The Messenger Join AGH Senior Curator and The Messenger co-curator Tobi Bruce for an in-depth look at the exhibition, how it came together and why it’s such an important and timely project. Having spent four years working on the exhibition, Bruce will offer insights on the man and his work.
AGH writing studio The Painted Page: Responding to Art through Poetry
Unfortunately, this class has been cancelled. Questions? Please contact the AGH Educator at education@artgalleryofhamilton.com or call 905-527-6610 ext. 272.
AGH performance CANADA INC. A World Music Celebration
Experience the magic of internationally renowned Mozambican singer Wazimbo on his first Canadian tour as he joins Brazilian singer-songwriter Luanda Jones, Toronto-based Arlene Bishop, recording artist Brian Melo and Hamilton’s own Tomi Swick for an evening celebrating Canada’s diversity in song.
You’ll enjoy performances in Portuguese and English by artists creating, in essence, the new Canadian songbook. Join us for a dynamic evening bringing together local and international acts of contrasting yet complementary musical genres.
In partnership with Vasco Da Gama F.C. Co-presented with Matapa World Music and Art, dedicated to presenting world music in Hamilton and beyond.
Date:Friday, March 2, at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm (Cash bar available)
Price:AGH Members $20 | Students & Seniors $24 | General $26
Pre-purchasing tickets is strongly recommended, as seating is limited:
Online (closes midnight prior to performance)
In person at the AGH Front Desk or Shop at AGH during Gallery hours
AGH studio Introduction to Watercolour with Marcia Tavernese
Watercolour offers artists opportunities to capture fleeting moments and light, or to create detailed and technically stunning compositions. This class, designed for beginners and experienced artists, focuses on introducing watercolour techniques to encourage artists to develop their own style and skill, and provides additional training for those with some watercolour experience.
Dates:Sundays - March 25, April 1, 15, 22, 29, May 6
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Price:AGH Members $90 | Non-Members $110 (all materials & tools provided)
Registration:Pre-registration is required. Spaces are limited, please register early.
by fax*
*Kindly complete form and return immediately, via fax (905-577-6940) or mail form to Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. West, Hamilton L8P 4S8.
Questions? Contact the AGH Educator at education@artgalleryofhamilton.com or call 905-527-6610 ext. 272.
T.N.T. Thursday Night Talks Creativity and Madness: Voicing the Hurt or Healing the Wound?
The romantic stereotype of the tortured artist is well entrenched in our social mythology – van Gogh, Beethoven, and Virginia Woolf are just some well-known examples of artists who coped with mental illness. William Kurelek, too, found himself dealing with and seeking treatment for depression. With a panel of creative people and mental health experts, please join us as T.N.T. asks: What are the connections between artistic expression and mental health?
Date:Thursday, April 26
Time: 7:00 pm Price:AGH Members $6 | Students & Seniors $10 | Non-Members $12
Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as seating is limited. Please pre-purchase your tickets:
Online (coming soon!)
In person at the AGH Front Desk or Shop at AGH during Gallery hours
by fax
