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What to See
A listing of some of the decorative arts exhibits from coast to coast. This section is updated every few months - please check individual links for the latest exhibition news if needed.
Toronto, Ontario
CRAFT ONTARIO GALLERY
Liminal Monuments: Claudia Guierrez
January 13, 2022 – February 26, 2022
‘Liminal Monuments’ is a solo exhibition of embroidered textile works exploring Latinx identity, ancestral iconography and commemoration by Ottawa-based artist Claudia Gutierrez. In collaboration with photographer Pat Bolduc, images of Gutierrez’s pieces exhibited alongside the objects add a narrative quality. The textiles are held in the arms of Latinx subjects—including Gutierrez and her sisters—obfuscated in a dream-like blur of the camera. For Gutierrez, memories are like dreams: liminal spaces distorted by our past, present and future. They are an unstable, shifting foundation for personal identity.
Waterloo, Ontario
Images Left: Alexandra McCurdy, “Blue Box with Copper Wire”, 2020. Porcelain, copper wire. Collection of the Artist.
Image Middle: Heidi McKenzie, “First Wave”, Porcelain, stoneware, wood, metal hooks, jute, epoxy. 48cm x 60cm x 20cm. Collection of the Artist.
Image: Right: Hannan Fayad, Steel Fragment, Blown and etched glass. Collection of the Artist.
CANADIAN CLAY & GLASS GALLERY
Confined -January 15 - May 8, 2022
Disruption - January 29 - May 8, 2022
Emerging Talent Series: Erosion as a Process: Hannan Fayad - January 29 - May 8, 2022
Montreal, Quebec
Image: Rest Area / Aire de repos, Carole Frère, photo: Gérald Lévin
MUMAQ - Musée des métiers d'arts du Québec
Stories: Carole Frève, Glass Artist
Carole Frève has always included two major components in her work: on the one hand, constant research on the combined techniques of glass and electro-formed copper and, on the other, the story the work tells the observer. Come and discover, through storytelling, the evolution of her favourite themes over the span of a 20-year career.
MCCORD MUSEUM
Parachute: Subversive Fashion of the '80s
Until April 24, 2022
From its beginnings inspired by New Wave subculture to its position as a veritable international fashion sensation, the Parachute brand from Montreal was recognized from New York to Tokyo for its visionary, bold apparel and innovative concept stores. Through the exhibition Parachute: Subversive Fashion of the ‘80s, explore the history of the brand, a go-to label for stars like Madonna, Peter Gabriel and David Bowie, and relive the exuberance of the 1980s!
Admire the androgynous, avant-garde creations of Parachute and learn more about the brand through some sixty outfits, including two stage costumes from the personal collection of Peter Gabriel, over 140 archival documents (sketches, advertisements, promotional photographs and images taken in Montreal’s night clubs), as well as exclusive interviews, and video excerpts of fashion shows and concerts.
Calgary, Alberta
Image: Sandra Sawatzky, Nuclear Arms (detail), 2021. Photo: John Dean
NICKLE GALLERIES (University of Calgary)
Sandra Sawatzky: Age of Uncertainty
January 17 - April 19, 2022
The Age of Uncertainty inspects the mundane and commonplace, exposing the Trojan horses in our midst. Using a needle and thread, Sawatzky explores our aspirations as well as their social, political, and environmental consequences. Drawing inspiration from art, literature, science, and the media, she juxtaposes insightful, sometimes prognostic quotes alongside scenes of optimism and despondency. The Age of Uncertainty is a body of twelve embroidered panels that consider the stories that keep us awake at night. These include: overpopulation, surveillance, corruption, migration and climate change.
Edmonton, Alberta
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Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery
January 29 - March 12, 2022
An exhibition of work from emerging artist, and recent graduate of the AUArts Fibre program, Adriane Vant Erve. Featuring an installation of mysterious, diaphanous sculptural works in silk organza, Tissues explores the delicate fragility of our human physiology. These luminous translucent objects softly glow and sway in the space surrounding them, gently activating the gallery environment.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Image: Serving bowl: Eveline Boudreau; Tea chest: John Werle; Shawl: Marg Rudy. Photography: Hilary Simon-Worobec
Saskatchewan Craft Council
January 15 - March 19, 2022
Rooted: 50 years of Saskatchewan Craft is an exhibition highlighting the history and legacy of Handmade House. This artist cooperative has represented Saskatchewan craftspeople since the early 1970’s. Rooted features past and present working members; collected works from the community; and special works on loan from SK Arts permanent collection.”
Vancouver, British Columbia
Image: Monique Huynh
CRAFT COUNCIL OF BC
January 20 - February 10, 2022
As a jewelry designer Monique Huynh aims to bridge the gap between storytelling and wearable art. This collection uses the power of history coupled with ancient mythology to highlight the feminine voice in popular mythology. The mythological figures considered in this exhibition represent different contemporary movements: body dysmorphia, female equality, sexuality, survivors of gender-based violence, climate change and environmental protection. Stories of women who have been historically shamed or deemed frightening are reframed to show their misfortunes as something to be celebrated. Here, “fierce” is actually “strength.” In turn, the power of storytelling inspires the viewer or potential wearer. The works presented spark conversation and celebrate the many aspects of womenhood.