Art Vancouver 2024

My recent involvement into Art Vancouver 2024 left me buzzing with inspiration. As a Board Member of the Vancouver Visual Arts Foundation (VVAF), it was exhilarating to help put on such a breath-taking collection of contemporary art and engage in meaningful discussions that extend beyond the visuals. I am proud of the diversity of art we showed from around the world, the Dongsan Artists showcasing beautiful Korean Art, The Native Art Renaissance Foundation showcasing the carvings and paintings of several Indigenous artists, and the Perve Gallery from Portugal showcasing the art of João Artur da Silva to name a few.

This year's showcase felt particularly vibrant (see our full exhibitors' list), and I want to shine a spotlight on a few artists whose work resonated deeply with me:

• Brian Porter: Porter's paintings captivated me with their exquisite use of colour and his portrayal of wildlife. His moose paintings, infused with a sense of majestic spirit, hold a special place in my heart as they are my favourite animal. The richness of his palette brought a unique vibrancy to his subjects. You can explore more of his work at https://portertheartist.com/.
  

• James Darin Corbiere: Corbiere's art is a powerful testament to the importance of using creativity to address social injustices. His works confronting the horrors of residential schools evoke profound emotions and serve as an urgent call for change. His "Poopsickle" installation, a chilling symbol of the ongoing lack of clean drinking water in Indigenous communities, stirred important conversations at the fair. Discover his art at https://indigenousartscollective.org/james-darin-corbiere/#gallery.
  

• Paul Van Ginkel: Van Ginkel's paintings radiate energy. I was particularly drawn to his horses, their elegant beauty seemed to burst from the canvas. His piece "A Twist of Flamenco Elegance & Beauty" captivated me with its depiction of movement and passion. He is working on a series of paintings with his subject, and hopes to have her dance at the gallery when he shows the work. See more at https://www.paulvanginkel.com/.
  

• LiQi Zhang:  Zhang's large-scale panels transported me to another time. The intricate depictions of traditional Chinese history, infused with an almost steampunk aesthetic, showcased incredible skill and a unique vision of the past.
  

• Sori Choi: Choi's distressed metal sculptures pulsate with raw energy. The marks left by his drumming process transform the metal into a visual echo, turning sound into tangible form. His work has a visceral power that's difficult to put into words. Discover more at https://www.saatchiart.com/choisori.

Censorship and the Power of Indigenous Voices

Beyond the incredible artworks, Art Vancouver 2024 provided a platform for vital conversations. I had the honour of hosting a panel discussion on the censorship of Indigenous art, featuring the insightful voices of Joshua Watts, Sherry Leigh Williams, Susan L. Greig, and James Darin Corbiere. These artists shared personal experiences of having their work censored. Their powerful stories highlighted the emotional toll it takes and the stifling of cultural expression within the Indigenous community.

A crucial takeaway from this panel was the importance of recognizing the diversity within Indigenous art. While Coast Salish style is widely recognized, Indigenous artists utilize a vast spectrum of styles and techniques. As a contemporary people, Indigenous artistic expression continuously evolves, and it's vital to celebrate and support this evolution.

A Celebration of Art and Community

From the awe-inspiring artwork to the thought-provoking discussions, Art Vancouver 2024 was a true feast for the senses and the mind. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with friends, meet incredible artists, and connect with the vibrant community that makes this event possible. A huge thank you to the many volunteers that help make this possible, the artists for showcasing such stunning works, and the staff at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Now that the art show is done we will turn our attention to Art Downtown, an outdoor art gallery showcasing artist Wednesdays and Fridays all summer long at 855 West Hastings St. Please come down and check out the incredible art, especially if you are looking to buy a piece to fill that empty space on your wall.