Exhibit: A Toronto Art History Lesson at the AGO!

AGO's Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries, 1971 - 1989 Exhibition Review

Philosopher George Santayana famously warned that "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." As I wandered through the AGO's Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries exhibit, Santayana's quote kept echoing through my mind. The exhibition gives visitors a glimpse into the gritty history of Toronto's art world from 1971 - 1989 and the emerging artists that pushed the boundaries of 'conventional art'.

Bear Portrait, No. 1, Culture Revolution, 1984 by Jeff Thomas

Displayed in the AGO's Contemporary Tower, more than 100 artists by 65 artists and collectives are brought together to fill the entire fourth floor exhibition space. Themes of social upheaval, political changes and marginalized people, that are reflected in the artwork are still as relevant today as they were during the 1970's and 80's.

The Craft of the Contaminated, 1984 by Andy Fabo

Art is Political, 1976 by Carole Conde and Carl Beveridge

Paintings, sculptures, photography are among the various media used, each with a tie to Toronto. The exhibition's information panels are both in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), acknowledging Toronto as the traditional territory of the Mississauga people. I enjoyed the exhibit, it's quite different from past shows and gave me a small glimpse into a diiferent art world I was used to seeing at the AGO.

Waitress, 1986 by Shelley Niro

Anthro-Apologies (And the Trees Grew Inwards - for Manuel Scorza), 1970 - 1980, by Ron Benner

Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries, 1971 - 1989 runs until May 22, 2017. Please visit AGO for more information.

P.s!: Visit Toronto: Tributes + Tributaries for free on Wednesday nights when admission is free at the AGO!

P.s,

Melanie!