Class 10
January 31, 2010 – 5:16 pmMidterm exam yesterday and then everything you’d ever want to know about compost – didn’t realize how much I didn’t know on the topic. But couldn’t stay for the afternoon session. Headed up to Edmonton for the opening of the Art Gallery of Alberta. It was getting dark by the time we got there.
Randall Stout is the architect of the new show space. And you can tell from the exterior that there’s a connection between him and Gehry – he worked for Frank and Associates for seven years.
They cut the ribbon on Saturday morning, with all of the politicians, but more importantly funders and key supporters. Former executive director Tony Luppino was at the opening, himself a key figure in the project. Unfortunately he’s no longer with the AGA.
Mark Myers at the National Gallery of Canada secured a three-year partnership with AGA to showcase special exhibitions presented by both institutions. The opening show is Goya The Master Printmaker: The Disasters of War and Los Caprichos, prints of the Disasters of War of 1810-23. I like Goya and these prints were lovely to see.
But the show that you have to make the trip for is the two Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller pieces. The Murder of Crows is the North American premier of this piece. It’s up on the third floor and it’s their largest sound installation to date. It has 98 speakers, runs on a 30-minute loop and like all Janet and George pieces weaves together voice, music and sound. It will give you goosebumps.
And speaking of chills, also make sure to see their other installation called Storm Room. You experience a storm, including driving rain, lightening, thunder and a leaky roof. If you are a fan of prairie storms, you’ll love the sensitivities of this exhibit.
Edmonton should be proud of the Art Gallery of Alberta. Too bad, so sad Calgary.