Art Toronto Brings Greater Relevance to Art in Canada

Valérie Blass, Ne regarde pas II, 2014, digital print on matte paper, 13″ x 19″ is one of the works on display at Art Toronto. Image courtesy of the artist and Parisian Laundry, Montreal

ART FAIR: Art Toronto brought collectors, artists, gallerists, and art professionals to Canada for a modern and contemporary fine art fair

BY KAZAD

Image: Sculpture by Lynn Chadwick titled Miniature Figure III was one of the works presented at the Toronto International Art Fair

Lynn Chadwick, Miniature Figure III (748)-4203 1977, Bronze/ 7cm tall. Image courtesy of Miriam Shiell Fine Art.

TORONTO, CANADA— When Art Toronto ended Wednesday, there was a lot of chest-beating. Besides the unprecedented crowd, the art event brought even greater relevance to modern and contemporary art in a country where art is already adequately celebrated. The organizers of the Toronto International Art Fair definitely have a lot to be proud of. This major art event which is Canada’s only modern and contemporary fine art fair not only brought together an unprecedented number of art lovers, art collectors, and industry professionals from within Canada but also across the globe.

Like other years, Art Toronto drew galleries from across the world who converge at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to showcase new works by emerging and established artists. From sculptures to paintings and new media art, there was so much to see, as galleries from Germany, Canada, London, the United States, and several other countries presented their best collection to art collectors and enthusiasts that throng the venue of the art fair. Some of the new galleries at this year’s event included Galerie Anita Beckers, Frankfurt, Actual Gallery, Winnipeg, Anna Kustura, New York, Catinca Tabacaru Gallery, New York, Renann Isaacs Contemporary Art, Guelph, and many others.

Art Toronto Art Projects

In addition to works of art presented by the galleries at the Art Toronto, there were also special art projects and exhibitions. Some of the art projects included VSVSVS, Nap Station, Marman + Borins, Pavilion of the Blind, and Amalie Atkins, Three Minute Miracle. A large crowd was drawn to the exhibition of works by winners and finalists of this year’s RBC Canadian Painting Competition. The event also brought together art scholars, writers, artists, curators, and leading art professionals who led discussions about modern and contemporary art during the Platforms. A major highlight of the Platform included BGL in conversation with Marie Fraser.

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Also at the Platform, Fogo Island Arts founder Zita Cobb and Fogo Island Arts/Kunsthalle Wien Artistic Director Nicolaus Schafhausen were in conversation with recent Fogo Island artist-in-residence Edgar Leciejewski. Their stimulating art conversation centered on living and working on Fogo Island. For those who missed the art event, here are some of the works presented by galleries at this year’s Art Toronto.

Image: Oil on canvas painting of two male figures titled Nero Duo by Carl Melegari

Carl Melegari, Nero Duo, Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 in . Image courtesy of Thompson’s Galleries

Image: We are the people, Hand-styled LEGO figures, cast acrylic, framed in acrylic tray by James Burke

James Burke, We are the people( Detail )Hand-styled LEGO figures, cast acrylic, framed in the acrylic tray, W 1000 x H 1000 mm. Image courtesy of Bicha Gallery© James Burke 2014