CALLING IT ART: PHOTOGRAPHY AND MARCEL DUCHAMP

Beyond Tradition | Erika Serodio

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It is hard to bring up Marcel Duchamp in conversation without eliciting a series of groans from a crowd of MMSt friends. I recently made this mistake at a bar after attending the You Are Here gallery opening with some colleagues.

Dust Breeding at the RIC | Photograph courtesy of Erika Serodio

“You all need to see the exhibition on right now at the Ryerson Image Centre,” I told them. “It’s about dust and photography… And it’s all built around this one photograph of dust by Marcel Duchamp.”

I am met with a few polite nods.
“Oh yes, I’ll check it out.”
“Sounds abstract.”
And finally,
“it’s just that I really hate Marcel Duchamp.”

Bicycle Wheel by Marcel Duchamp | Source

My knowledge of art history is rudimentary; I was first introduced to Marcel Duchamp in Abbi Jacobson’s highly relatable podcast, A Piece of Work.  Jacobson brings up Duchamp at the start of her first episode, where she explains that his sculpture titled Bicycle Wheel, is one of the starting places for modern art. Bicycle Wheel is an example of art made with common, everyday objects which the artist has selected and designated as art – an artistic movement or style called “Readymades.” People get skeptical when they walk into New York’s MoMA, and come across a bicycle wheel amidst the abundance of masters that adorn the museum’s walls. How can this be art?

Throughout my first year in the Museum Studies program, I have wrestled with the question of what a museum can and should be. There is an inherent institutional rigidity to museums that deters some people from ever entering, regardless of what’s on view inside. I think of how exhibitions or art pieces in alternative spaces might reach people who do not feel like “art” is for them. Coming back to Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel at this point in the semester felt necessary. Jacobson explains in her podcast how Duchamp was trying to make a point about the way that art has been historically viewed as rare and elite. The inclusion of his readymade bicycle wheel in a gallery defied that idea, and instead claimed that anything could be art, and anyone could be an artist. For Duchamp, the ideas behind the art were more important than the physical realization of that art.

128 Photographs of a Painting by Gerhard Richter | Photograph courtesy of Erika Serodio

This idea is especially relevant when thinking about photography as art today. The impressive quality of the cameras embedded in our everyday cellphones has made it so that photographs are ubiquitous and everyone can be a photographer. How then, does an exhibition space that focuses on photography maintain its prestige? The answer might be that it doesn't. The photographs in the Ryerson Image Centre's current exhibition, A Handful of Dust, "highlight quotidian details of life." Everyday elements take on new meaning with the accumulation of and deterioration by tiny, unimportant specks of dust. This exhibition feels like something that anyone could be a part of and there is something undeniably beautiful about that idea. 

A Handful of Dust: From the Cosmic to the Domestic runs from January 22nd to April 5, 2020, and is free to attend.

MMSt 2018: EXHIBITION PROJECTS PART I

RESEARCH COLUMN

BY: SERENA YPELAAR

Welcome back to the #MMSt2018 project coverage! Today, we're featuring the first eight exhibition projects my talented colleagues in second year of the program are currently working on.

Each of the 23 exhibition groups in this series kindly agreed to speak about their project. Their exhibitions will open across the city in the next few months. They are listed here in chronological order, starting with Nikita and Amanda, whose exhibition opened last week!

Toronto: The Views are Different Here (March 6-29, 2018)
Nikita Lorenzo-Vicente, Amanda McNeil

The exhibition is on display at the Aird Gallery!
Photo courtesy of Nikita Lorenzo. 

Location: John B. Aird Gallery, 900 Bay Street (at Wellesley), MacDonald Block, Toronto
Opened: March 8, 2018, 6-8pm

Our multimedia exhibition examines Toronto identity through the individual narratives of its people. It strives to display personal thoughts and emotions from a variety of backgrounds within Toronto to unpack the ways in which we think of our city.

Partners: City of Toronto Art Connections Program

Ontario Science Centre Robotics Hot Zone (March 9, 2018 –)
Jessica Baptista, Christopher Shackleton, Napat Malathum, Shannon Crewson
Location: Ontario Science Centre Hot Zone, on Level 6
Opened: March 9, 2018

For our project we worked as co-producers for the Ontario Science Centre’s Hot Zone. Focusing on the topic of robotics, we developed an educational program which allows participants to experience robotics through both hands-on activities and four specific robot stories. The Robotics Hot Zone will be presented daily by the Ontario Science Centre’s hosts.

Team members Christopher and Jessica help with the presentation of INDY - an archaeology robot used to explore tunnels in Egypt and created by Ryerson University's N-CART Lab. Photo courtesy of Napat Malathum.

(From left) Shauna, Emily, and Karley at the Art Museum! 
Photo courtesy of Shauna Taylor, Emilie Albert-Toth, 
and Karley Staskus.

2018 Shelley Peterson Student Art Exhibition (March 23-April 14, 2018) 

Emilie Albert-Toth, Karley Staskus, Shauna Taylor 

Location: Art Museum at the University of Toronto, 15 King's College Circle, Toronto
Opening Reception: March 23, 2018, 7-9 pm

We are currently in the process of installing the SPSAE 2018 and have had the opportunity to handle some amazing artwork and work with some wonderful people. Here’s a picture of us looking cool and casual while discussing In My Dreams by Lisa Veregin. Please come look cool and casual with us on the night of our opening, we’d love to discuss some artwork with you!

Case Studies: A history of physics innovation at the University of Toronto (April 2018 –)

Erin Beaubien, Daniel Rose

Location: McLennan Laboratory Foyer, 60 St. George St., University of Toronto
Opening Reception: April 4th, 2018, 4-6 pm (remarks at 4:30) in the Physics Grad lounge (rm 111, McLennan Physical Laboratories, 60 St. George St.)*

Our project is in partnership with the U of T physics department and the University of Toronto Scientific Instruments Collection (UTSIC). We wanted to use this exhibition as an opportunity to explore the department's history and highlight some stories of invention and innovation that have occurred here. The exhibition features four instruments and processes that were developed or created at the University and the people and history behind them.

To RSVP for the opening reception, please email outreach@physics.utoronto.ca.

University of Toronto Archives. Boris Stoicheff Fonds. B2010-0025/001P(10). 

Collections storage at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Photo courtesy of Naomi Recollet. 

Reconfiguring the Collection (Project; April 2018)
Naomi Recollet 

Location: Royal Ontario Museum

This project is focused on reconceptualizing and reconfiguring the Northeast and Subarctic material in the First Peoples collection at the ROM. The purpose is to improve the facilitation of research and exhibition planning from scholars, and particularly from members of Indigenous communities. I hope that this reconfiguration will be easier for members of Indigenous communities to access the collections, approach materials, locate object types and identify any future relationships with the collections and the ROM.

Here Emily takes notes regarding the location of the exhibition
and the cases available for the objects. Photo courtesy of Emily
Welsh and Madison Stirling.

Hazel Stuart and the Indigenous Peoples of Papua New Guinea (April 9, 2018) 
Emily Welsh, Madison Stirling

Exhibition Name: Hazel Stuart and the Indigenous Peoples of Papua New Guinea
Location: Department of Anthropology (Third Floor), University of Toronto, 19 Russell St, Toronto

For our exhibition project, we are a producing a permanent display of artifacts and ephemera from the Department of Anthropology’s Hazel Stuart Collection. Hazel Stuart lived and worked in Papua New Guinea from 1973 – 1975 after recently graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario. Our display will examine the study of anthropology, the process of collecting, and the knowledge represented by the Indigenous cultural objects gathered by Hazel Stuart.

Made-Up Toronto features 21 participants from Toronto 
sporting their own makeup looks. Photo courtesy of 
Leeor Wild. 

Made-Up Toronto (TBD) 
Jessica Svenningson, Sarah Rolko

Location: Downtown Yonge BIA Pop-Up Gallery, 385-387 Yonge St., Toronto
Opening Reception: TBD

We came together to work on this project because we both had noticed how little makeup was highlighted in the museum and art gallery world. We collaborated with Downtown Yonge BIA to bring our vision to life by focusing on the makeup culture in Toronto. Our goal with this exhibition is to demonstrate how makeup is a powerful tool for self-expression and expression of cultural identity.

Art & Mindfulness (April 13, 2018-April 2019) 

Julia Zungri, Tabitha Chan, Kelly Manikoth 

Location: Claude T. Bissell Building, University of Toronto
Opening Reception: April 13, 2018, 5-7 pm (remarks at 6pm)

Our exhibition explores the relationship between art, students and mental health. The artists featured in this exhibition use art as a tool for wellness, resilience and mindfulness. As an exhibition curated by students and for students, we hope that showcasing these works will contribute to the destigmatization and awareness of mental health issues on campus. Also featured in this exhibition is the 1000 Words Campaign by the UMatter initiative, and students’ pieces created from the Rethink Recovery workshops.

(From left) Julia, Kelly, and Tabitha while selling bookmarks and postcards as part of their fundraising event in December 2017. They wish to thank everyone who contributed! Photo courtesy of Julia Zungri, Kelly Manikoth, and Tabitha Chan.

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Congratulations to my fellow MMSt students for all you've accomplished! Thanks for sharing your work. I can't wait to attend the exhibition openings. Maybe I'll see you there, dear readers!

SPRING BECKONS: WHAT'S HAPPENING WEDNESDAYS MARCH EDITION

WHAT'S HAPPENING WEDNESDAYS

BY: KELLY MANIKOTH

Welcome to the March Edition of What’s Happening Wednesdays! I’m sure we are all delighted to watch the snow melt away as our days get longer, warmer and brighter! Spring is one of my favourite seasons as it indicates new beginnings. As flowers bloom and leaves emerge on barren branches, the earth seems to be beckoning us out of hibernation to enjoy our renewed surroundings. So, without further ado, here are some fun events to check out in Toronto to swing into a sunny Spring!

1. Yoko Ono: The Riverbed Exhibition at the Gardiner Museum

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Opening on February 23rd, the Gardiner Museum presents a special exhibition entitled Yoko Ono: Riverbed. The three-part installation welcomes visitors to participate and collaborate in transforming the pieces within the exhibit. For instance, in Mend Piece, visitors are invited to collectively repair broken pieces of ceramic with glue and string, resulting in new forms. The process is intended to incur contemplation on major themes of hope, dreams, life and death. For more information, visit Yoko Ono: Riverbed.

When: The exhibit opens February 23rd, and runs until June 3rd.

Where: The Gardiner Museum, 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

Tickets: Adult Admission: $15.00, Senior (65+) Admission: $11.00, , Student Admission with valid Student ID: $9.00, Youth & Children under 18: FREE. You can purchase tickets here.

2. iSchool Student Conference - Information in the Air: Society and the Evolving Media

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The annual iSchool Student Conference theme this year Information in the Air: Society and the Evolving Media. This event invites students to share their current research, showcasing what both museum and information professionals will bring to the field. The two-day conference deals with the evolution of both old and new media, and the effects such changes have had on society. The format will include a half day event with keynote speaker, Anabel Quan-Haase, and reception on the Friday evening, followed by one day of paper presentations, workshops and posters by students. For more information visit iSchool Student Conference and follow the conference on Twitter: @iStudentConfTO and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/iStudentConfTO/

When: Friday March 2nd and Saturday March 3rd from 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Where: University of Toronto - Faculty Information Office, 140 Saint George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G6

Tickets: $7 to $15. You can register here.

3. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrors Opening and Screenings at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, 2013. Wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic panel, rubber, LED lighting system, acrylic balls, and water, 287.7 × 415.3 × 415.3 cm. Courtesy of David Zwirner, N.Y. © Yayoi Kusama Source.

One of the events I’m most excited for in March is the much-anticipated Infinity Mirrors exhibit by Yayoi Kusama at the Art Gallery of Ontario. This exhibition features Kusama’s infamous Instagram worthy Infinity Rooms – immersive kaleidoscope spaces where the visitor is continuously reflected within the installations. Along with the Infinity Rooms, the exhibition follows Kusama’s impressive 65-year career, from her early paintings to her recent work in soft sculpture. The AGO is the only Canadian stop for Infinity Mirrors which makes this an extra-special moment for the Toronto art scene this year. 

If you were unable to purchase your tickets thus far, don’t fret! There will be a few other opportunities for members and the public to purchase tickets online. If you still can’t snag a ticket, however, the AGO is hosting other events to ensure you get your Kusama fix. There will be screenings of the documentary Yayoi Kusama: I Adore Myself at the Jackman Hall which follows Kusama’s life and work process over several months as she completes a series of 50 paintings. For more information, please visit https://ago.ca/exhibitions/kusama

When: Opening day is March 3rd. The exhibition runs until May 27th.

I Adore Myself  Screenings: Wednesday, March 7, 6 pm & 8:30 pm, Friday, March 9, 6 pm & 8:30 pm, Wednesday, March 14, 6 pm & 8:30 pm, Friday, March 16, 6 pm & 8:30 pm, Friday, March 30, 6 pm & 8:30 pm

Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

Screenings: Jackman Hall

Tickets: Tickets will be available for sale through AGO.ca

The next block of tickets goes on sale online on March 6 at 10 am.
The next Members’ booking window is online on March 20 at 10 am.

Tickets for screening: Member Price $12.00, Public Price $14.00 Student Price $10.00
You can purchase tickets here

4. Celebrate Toronto Festival

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Celebrate Toronto is a festival honouring Toronto’s 184th Anniversary. The festival will take place over four days at Nathan Phillips Square. There will be plenty of local vendors, food trucks with diverse cuisines, and fun activities. On March 3rd , enter the on-site photo contest for a chance to win a $1000 VIARail trip for 2 from Toronto to Montreal. On March 5th and 6th there will be a night skating party hosted by DJ Caff which will feature a blend of Motown and top 40 music. Celebrate Toronto is a non-profit organization that seeks to acknowledge the city's achievements through working with TO-based businesses and supporting local artists and grass-root start-ups that raise awareness towards green initiatives. For any questions/inquiries please contact info@celebratetoronto.ca or visit http://www.celebratetoronto.ca/

When: March 3rd & 4th 12:00pm - 8:00pm, March 5th & 6th 5:00pm - 10:00pm -

Where: Nathan Phillips Square

Tickets: Free!

5. International Women’s Day Conference

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There have been so many inspiring moments of solidarity and empowerment within the Women’s Movement these past few years. Commemorate these milestones and celebrate International Women’s Day by attending the International Women's Day Conference. Held at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, there will be vendors, prizes, a live DJ, dancing, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. The event is co-hosted by Angel Freedman, a social worker, counsellor, parenting expert, public speaker and activist, and Merav Richter, an author, entrepreneur and philosopher. The conference supports the Women’s Support Network of York Region.

When: Thu, 8 March 2018, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM EST

Where: Bellvue Manor, 8083 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON L4K 2M7

Tickets: To register, click here

6. St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

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It’s St. Patty’s Day once again! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 11th, the route beginning at Bloor and St. George, going down Yonge and ending at Queen Street at Nathan Phillips Square. The parade features 30 marching bands and over 4,000 participants representing different communities in the city. The St. Patrick’s Parade Society hosts the parade every year, with their mission being to celebrate Ireland’s history, culture, and heritage through entertainment. 

When: Sunday, March 11 at 12 PM - 3 PM

Where: 65-520 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H2M5. Click here for the parade route http://stpatrickstoronto.com/parade/

Tickets: Free!

7. Toronto: The Views are Different Here Opening at the John B. Aird Gallery

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Toronto: The Views are Different Here, curated by Nikita Lorenzo and Amanda McNeil, is one of the first shows opening from the MMSt Class of 2018’s Capstone Exhibition Projects! The exhibition showcases an all-encompassing picture of Toronto through displaying diverse narratives and experiences of the city. This exhibit is done in partnership with the John B. Aird Gallery and the City of Toronto Art Connections Program.

When: The opening reception takes place on Thursday March 8th, 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition runs for one month, from March 6th to April 6th, 2018

Where: John B. Aird Gallery, 900 Bay St, Toronto, ON M7A 1C2

Tickets: Free!

8. Kortright Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival

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Another sweet way to ‘tap’ into Spring is to check out the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. Running from March 10th to April 8th, there will be demonstrations on the maple syrup process, wagon rides, mazes, games, sno-cones and lots of pancakes enveloped in delicious real maple syrup. On select special dates (March 10, 17, 23 & 24), there will be a Maple Syrup by Lamplight Tour! These guided tours of  Kortright’s Maple sugar bush begin at twilight. After learning about old fashioned and modern methods of maple syrup production, enjoy syrup samples by a warm campfire. Other locations for the Maple Syrup Festival include Bruce's Mill in Stouffville, Terra Cotta in Halton Hills, and Island Lake in Orangeville. For more information, visit Maple Syrup Festival.

When: March 10 – April 8, 2018, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Where: Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Dr.

Tickets: General Admissions Adults (Ages 15-59): $8.85, Seniors (Ages 60+): $5.75, Children (Ages 5-14): $5.75  Children 4 years and under: FREE (with adult purchase), Parks Members FREE

You can purchase tickets here.

Twilight tours require advance tickets. Please call 416-667-6295 ext.3 or email: visitorservies@trca.on.ca for more information.

9. Spring Flower Show at Allan Gardens

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Enjoy all the blossoms Spring has to offer at Allan Gardens with the Spring Flower Show! The Spring Show runs from February 25th to April 29th as the Cool House transitions to Spring. Some features are the vibrant tulips and aromatic hyacinths. From March 25th to the end of April, there will be a special Easter Flower Show. The Conservatory will be decked out in Easter decorations, and its dome filled with Easter lilies and hydrangeas. This is definitely a must-see for Spring!

When: February 25th to April 29th, The Easter Flower Show is March 25 to April 29. Open 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Where: Allan Gardens Park and Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave

Tickets: Free!

10. Dear Sadie: Love, Lives, and Remembrance from Ontario's First World War 

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In commemoration of the last year of the First World War Centenary, Jay Young, PhD, hosts a special presentation at the Don Mills Library on their most current exhibition, Archives of Ontario’s Dear Sadie. The exhibit focuses on the personal experiences and stories of the war through exploring a series of letters written by Canadian soldier, Harry Mason, to his love back home, Sadie Arbuckle. For information, visit Toronto Public Library

When: Friday, March 23, 2018, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Where: Don Mills Public Library, 888 Lawrence Ave. E.

Tickets: Call 416-395-5710 to register for the talk.

That’s all I have for now, friends. With the end of the term fast approaching, I hope this blissful Spring weather gives everyone a burst of energy and renewed inspiration to complete a successful academic year! From attending one of the many exhibit openings to observing the leaves peek out from the trees, I wish everyone a happy and productive March! 😊