words, pics – fish
The U of A’s Enterprise Square gallery, once again, has the most interesting art exhibit in town.
Paul Freeman is artistic director of the wonderful Nina Haggerty, where people with developmental and access hurdles have the opportunity to paint, sculpt, make movies or anything else creative that pops into their heads. The centre is constantly emitting true and fantastic art, and a number of local artists find real joy collaborating here.
This show, Cross Contamination, is a wonderful experiment where Freeman called upon established visual artists and mixed their work in with art made at Nina. The most beautiful moments are when, walking through the gallery and looking at a piece of art on its own, you can no longer classify its artist.
These are magical moments, and are what Nina Haggerty is all about.
Scott Berry’s intricate Dog Park at the entrance and his Mickey Mouse are wonders. He even does one of the animations, hand-drawn, panel by panel.
Having survived brain damage, Ulrike Rossier’s Flowers are hypnotic. Susan Seright’s Maiden altered books, Nina Leontowicz’s burned notes and shining work by David Janzen are flanked by owls and other creatures – including Batman – by Bruce Bazinet, Dale Badger, David Canough, whose animated work plays on the show’s small screen. If I was a musician I’d seek him out to make a video immediately.
There’s pretty glass painting by Linda Vincent, dizzying repetition by Kim Hung Ho and posters by Jill Stanton, whose work in Manning Hall at AGA right now is also a must-see.
One of my favourites – Mark Traficante’s Foot Sex with a Legless Man – is complimented by Stephanie Dickie’s photographic Skin Series.
Freeman spoke at the space Thursday about the evolution of the centre, the challenges of introducing new influences on its artists while letting them forge their own path.
But the show also speaks for itself – and how.
Don’t miss it before its last day, March 29.
o<
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title pic repeats for web 2.0:
