10 Things To Know About Cloisonné Enamel
Cloisonné is an ancient technique of decorating metalware with colourful infills of vitreous enamel.
Artist In Our Collection: Vera Weatherbie (1909-1977)
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
Vera Weatherbie’s history as an artist is often overshadowed by her relationships with men and her exceptional beauty in many narratives.
A Homage To Staying Home: The Art of Interior Spaces
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
This past Spring, during a time when, typically, the outdoors is celebrated for the rejuvenation of life after winter, much of humanity spent it indoors, under government lockdown orders to shelter from the unseen enemy of COVID-19. Our homes became our refuge and safe place.
Views of Victoria in the AGGV Collection
The varied land and seascapes around Victoria have provided inspiration to artists for hundreds of years. Can you identify where these locales are in the paintings, drawings and photographs below from the AGGV Collection?
The Great Reveal: Restoration of a Sophie Pemberton Masterpiece
By Duncan M. Ferguson, AGGV Exhibitions Preparator
Details in the emblematic portrait of Bibi La Purée will be visible for the first time in decades. Sophie Pemberton’s portrait of Bibi La Purée hasn’t been fit for exhibition in decades. There are few artworks that represent so much of an artist, but this one weaves a web of significance into one painting.
Escapism Through Chinese Landscape Painting
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
The practice of Chinese ink painting was a personal and meditative exercise, the essence of the work derived from the spontaneous expression of feelings. And in the Song dynasty, landscape painting became a symbol of escape and sanctuary from the chaos of reality.
Reflections From the New Extreme Program
This year’s New Extreme Program involved 3 groups of insightful, creative and inspiring youth who created inquiry projects with 3 local artists. They had to stop just short of completion, due to COVID 19. Here is a sense of the important work they did together, in their own words.
Artist In Our Collection: Gordon Smith (1919-2020)
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
The centenarian and beloved BC-based artist and philanthropist, Gordon Appelbe Smith, worked prolifically up until he turned 100. The AGGV is fortunate to have many of Smith’s artworks that document his West Coast aesthetic. This body of works also serves as a profound testament to the art movements of the 20th century in Western Canada.