New Special Exhibitions Opening this Weekend!
Two contemporary art exhibitions open in July at the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
July 15, 2009 Kleinburg, ON—Two new exhibitions curated by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will be opening this weekend. Both shows feature the works of contemporary Canadian artists. Charles Pachter and Margaret Atwood: The Journals of Susanna Moodie and Diana Thorneycroft: Canada, Myth and History open on Saturday, July 18 and will remain on display until the fall.
Charles Pachter and Margaret Atwood: The Journals of Susanna Moodie explores the unique collaboration between Pachter and Atwood and includes a collection of approximately thirty original prints with the accompanying poems from Atwood and Pachter’s livre d’artiste—a limited-edition artist’s book. The exhibition will be on view at the McMichael until Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 2009, and is curated by the McMichael’s Assistant Curator, Chris Finn.
A video with Toronto artist Charles Pachter and renowned author Margaret Atwood talking about their project has been created and will be shown in the gallery as part of the exhibition. An edition of that video can be seen on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHAqknm2qOg
Also opening on July 18th is Diana Thorneycroft: Canada, Myth and History, organized by the
McMichael and curated by Sharona Adamowicz-Clements, McMichael Assistant Curator, Collections.
Winnipeg artist Diana Thorneycroft is known for creating provocative and controversial photographs that
challenge her audience’s viewing experience. Her seemingly comical images composed of innocent
subjects—dolls and toy figurines—set against the landscape paintings created by Canada’s most beloved
artists reveal, upon a closer examination, a deeper and darker meaning. Through her compositions of
modern-day life and historical events set against the landscapes of the Group of Seven and their
contemporaries, Thorneycroft explores notions of Canadian identity and cultural ideologies, while
deconstructing mythological narratives. One such work is Early Snow with Bob and Doug, which depicts
iconic Canadian characters Bob and Doug McKenzie surrounded by wolves while getting intoxicated in
Tom Thomson’s Early Snow wilderness. This thought-provoking exhibition will remain on display until
November 29, 2009, and is accompanied by a publication written by the show’s curator.
About the McMichael
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges
the support of the Ministry of Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of
Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of
more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First
Nations, and Inuit artists.
The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg. For more information about the gallery visit www.mcmichael.com.
Editor’s Note: Artist Diana Thorneycroft will be at the McMichael and available to the media Thursday, July 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For further information:
Stephen Weir, Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
s1weir@aol.com or sweir5492@rogers.com
Cathy Lepiane, Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2210
clepiane@mcmichael.com
