One does not need to sign up for University to gain some enlightened education in the world of art history in Victoria.
For ten years, the Gallery Associates of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria have put on their Sunday Art Lecture Series, which returns in February with a new topic. Moderated by Globe and Mail arts writer, Liam Lacey, the series will explore contemporary Western Canadian art and how artists explore identity in contemporary styles.
Dr. Betsey Tumasonis will use the first lecture on Feb. 4. to put contemporary Western Canadian art into the context of the various art periods that have been around in the past century, particularly in the period after World War II. There are many movements to explore here, including abstract expressionism, pop art, conceptual art, and neo-expressionism. Of course, the aim is to take a look at how contemporary Western Canadian art has emerged from these influences.
Subsequent lectures on Feb. 11, 25, March 3 and 10 will look at topics like the leading-edge impacts of B.C. women artists, contemporary Indigenous Art of Vancouver Island, art used to share migrant experiences and the connections between artworks in air terminal interiors with architectural design.
The series is a fundraiser for the AGGV to support the gallery exhibitions and programs.
Tickets cost $100 for the series or $30 for each lecture and are available online at aggv.ca/sals-2024-art-history-of-the-now.
