In 2012, when the country kicks off a two-year War of 1812 commemoration and the role it played in nation-building, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is celebrating iconic Canadian artists who presented a singular vision of the country, chief among them William Kurelek and Emily Carr.
The year, themed A League of Their Own, offers established Canadians, new Canadians, and tourists alike unique opportunities to experience the work of visionary artists who, in their own way, shaped our country and the way we see ourselves. Presented by TD, A League of Their Own will showcase such exhibitions as William Kurelek: The Messenger (on view at the AGH from January 28 to April 29, 2012 and the only stop in eastern Canada), the largest exhibition of the artist’s work ever mounted. An ambitious collaboration between the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Messenger is co-curated by Tobi Bruce (AGH), Andrew Kear (WAG) and Mary Jo Hughes (AGGV), and revisits the work of one of the most recognized Canadian painters of the twentieth century.
On view at the AGH from May 12 to October 28, Nature and Spirit: Emily Carr’s Coastal Landscapes explores the remarkably expressive canvases, in which Carr developed a unique fluid painting style to convey the living force she felt when surrounded by the forests and mountains of British Columbia’s rugged North Coast. Through her art, she invites the viewer to feel the awe she felt in engaging with nature.
In addition to these and other exhibitions exploring the works of Canadian artists, supplementary programming – including tours, talks, studio workshops, film screenings and performances – will enhance the visitor experience and deepen their understanding of the art on view.
