This week, I had two opportunities to visit art galleries for my courses.
The first visit was to CUAG, during which we received a talk from the artist, Carol Sawyer, herself. Sawyer walked us through the exhibit, and provided enriching insight on her efforts in creating the exhibition, as well as her thought processes and goals throughout the project. Sawyer’s exhibit challenges commonly held beliefs about history and memory by employing photographs, film and archival material. The exhibit presents the viewer with a story about Natalie Brettschneider that is punctuated by related stories of those whom Brettschneider crossed paths with. All in all, the exhibit is carefully crafted and unique. One will not leave the exhibit with the same impression one arrived with.
Carol Sawyer, “Natalie Brettschneider leaves Vancouver for Paris, 1913.” Silver gelatin print. 2.5 X 4” (Photo courtesy of CU Art Gallery Tumblr page)
The second visit was to the National Gallery of Canada to view rare prints by Otto Dix, a famous Weimar artist. Our class received the opportunity to view selected Dix etchings, exposed in a room, which we could practically walk up to. One could see the texture of the ink on the paper – a texture one of my friends termed “velvety.” To be in the presence of these visceral and emotive prints while learning about them is an extraordinary experience. Our Art History program always extends its learning beyond the classroom, and this week’s activities are an excellent example of the Carleton norm.
Otto Dix, Stormtroopers Advancing Under Gas, 1924, etching and aquatint. source online