Vancouver

Going for a ride in the age of auto

“In three exhibitions in Metro Vancouver, three very different artists (Val Nelson, Brian Jungen, Marcus Bowcott) have put either the idea of cars or their physical presence in the foreground of their work.” Vancouver Sun, November 25, 2010

Mark Soo's Several Circles a richly layered and compellingly interlocked work of art

“Nearly three years ago, about the time the American auto industry was verging on collapse, Mark Soo was walking on an English Bay beach. Then, to his surprise, a paddle-wheeler party boat chugged by, blasting techno music across the water. Both sight and sound struck Soo as crazily incongruous but, at the same time, inspiring.” Georgia Straight, November 25, 2010

Artists open their studios to the public

“Free three-day Eastside Culture Crawl a showcase for variety of media.”  Vancouver Sun, November 25, 2010

Five cool Eastside Culture Crawl finds to tempt wanderers

“The Straight dug around to offer up these five cool finds that define this year’s Crawl—if you’re willing to do a little wandering.” Georgia Straight, November 25, 2010

 Metal sculpture queens get tough at the Eastside Culture Crawl

“Sculpting can be back-breaking work, but three women get tough with steel, stone, and bronze at this year’s art extravaganza.” Georgia Straight, November 25, 2010

B.C. Spirit Festival money sparks fireworks

“The B.C. government’s decision to give a portion of funds earmarked for B.C. Spirit Festivals to other events has come under criticism from the Opposition.” Georgia Straight, November 25, 2010

Toronto

Burton exhibit: MoMA and T.O. renew historic ties

The delightful Tim Burton exhibit opening this week at the TIFF Bell Lightbox marks a welcome return of the Museum of Modern Art to this city, renewing historic and important ties after a long and baffling absence. Toronto Star, November 24, 2010

Daniel Barrow’s emotions in motion

“Daniel Barrow just won the $50,000 Sobey Prize and 12 hours later, a new show of his work opened in Toronto.” Toronto Star, November 24, 2010

Giant ‘squid’ helps gallery build reputation

Alison Smith’s  “Dundas St. W. gallery has a single work by a mostly unknown artist that looks like a giant squid as fashioned by the great Bernini, the Mannerist sculptor. As if the work’s gnarly charms aren’t daunting enough for your average art-buyer, there are the gnarly charms of its creator, [Canadian artist], Nikola Nikola.” Toronto Star, November 24, 2010

With his team set, Ford looks to woo culture crowd

“Mayor-elect Rob Ford has started to broaden his support at city hall — reaching out to council’s collection of centre-right members to help lead.  He’s even throwing a bone to a vocal critic by naming left-leaning Adam to the Art Gallery of Ontario board.”  Toronto Star, November 25, 2010

Montreal

Voyeur Matthew Cope lets us into his hobby
Matthew Cope, the “Montreal broadcaster/ journalist/writer has another dimension. He is quite the voyeur.  But Cope has found the perfect outlet for his voyeurism: photography.”  Montreal Gazette, November 25, 2010

Canada

Government and consumer spending on culture

Arts Research Monitor examines government spending on culture.  Notably, British Columbia is last in per capita spending on culture by all levels of government at $197.00. “Recent Canadian reports provide interesting insights into government and consumer spending on culture. These reports include a benchmark Statistics Canada dataset, Quebec-specific information on municipal cultural spending, and a Hill Strategies report on consumer spending on culture.”  Arts Research Monitor, Vol. 9 no.5, November 24, 2010  

New York

Takashi Murakami’s Art, Inflated for the Macy’s Parade

Kaikai and Kiki, two creations of the Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami, will join Macy’s for its Thanksgiving Day parade.  New York Times, November 25, 2010

Bristol, U.K.

Dan Arbeid, 82, Leading Experimental Potter and Ceramic Artist

Dan Arbeid, who has died at the age of 82, was one of the pioneers of unconventional vessel-based handbuilt forms that celebrated the earthy plastic of clay. The Guardian (UK), November 22, 2010

Istanbul

Women of Saudi Arabia Emerge on the Bosporus

A creative movement based in London and Jidda has organized an exhibition in Istanbul of works from 22 Saudi artists that touch on faith, culture and identity. New York Times, November 25, 2010