On the same day as yesterday's post, I went over to pay a visit to the Ottawa Art Gallery, a city gallery placed between the Byward Market to the north and the Sandy Hill neighbourhood off to the east. The Gallery has been around for a long time, though its current quarters are new, opened just a few years ago. In this shot taken from the Mackenzie King Bridge, the former courthouse of the 19th century at left houses Arts Court, a home to multiple arts organizations, and it was there for a long while that the OAG had its quarters. At right-centre is the imposing former Carleton County Gaol, reputed to be haunted and now a hostel for traveling youth. The white structure beyond at right is the OAG. Several years ago the OAG partnered with the University of Ottawa, which was out to expand its drama spaces, and a developer to build on unused land on the east side of Arts Court. The result was the hotel in the background, a new quarters for the gallery, and new performance arts space for Ottawa U. They retain physical links going into Arts Court.
As is with everything now, there are Covid procedures, so rather than enter in from Mackenzie King, I went around to the Daly Street entrance and came into the OAG. The building is very modern- this looks from the top of a staircase out towards Daly- but doesn't clash with its older neighbours.
A view to the east from inside. Buildings for the University are over there.
A couple of the floors were hosting exhibits. One of them takes influence from the current pandemic.
Two works to start things off are by indigenous women. Jessie Oonark created Little Woman, a stonecut print on paper, in 1983.
This is a contemporary work, a Sakiaguti, by designer Martha Kyak.
Interesting exhibit. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteKyak's design is gorgeous. The now youth hostel, if it isn't haunted, then I'd be quite surprised. Eerie building, beautiful, but eerie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThe exhibition is very beautiful, I will enjoy so much beauty the next day !!
ReplyDeleteMust have been a nice exhibition !
ReplyDeleteI've never been there.
ReplyDeleteI like that stonecut print 'Little Woman'.
ReplyDelete@Nancy: thank you.
ReplyDelete@Maywyn: I've been inside a couple of times and it feels haunted.
@Italiafinlandia: you're welcome.
@Ella: thank you.
@Gattina: it was.
@Anvilcloud: it is a good gallery.
@Jan: I do too.
I am looking forward to images sans snow, William.
ReplyDelete...sheltering in place certainly has become common.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to be able to wander in a gallery!
ReplyDeleteLove the artwork ~ Little Woman is great in its simplicity ~
ReplyDeleteLiving moment by moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks for describing the various buildings and their history as well as current use! Looking forward to more art!
ReplyDelete@David: eventually!
ReplyDelete@Tom: it has.
@Magiceye: I think so.
@RedPat: it was enjoyable.
@Carol: indeed.
@Barbara: you're welcome.
I love that Little Woman print.
ReplyDeleteCamus was right about the imagined suffering of absent ones.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful exhibition.
ReplyDeleteI've yet to visit the OAG. Hopefully it will be safe enough to visit the city and take it in soon.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an interesting exhibit. I really like Sakiaguti.
ReplyDeleteThe women’s work is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWilliam - glad the Gaol was not torn down - a fabulous piece of architecture!
ReplyDeleteI can tell that I'm going to like this series.
ReplyDeleteOh goodie another tour. Love that work by Martha Kyak.
ReplyDeletecan you believe April will be here before we know it. time is flying by. great art. always a fan of anything unique. happy weekend. ( ;
ReplyDeleteLooks a nice exhibition.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
@Sharon: I did too.
ReplyDelete@Revrunner: indeed.
@Bill: that it was.
@Karen: it's a good gallery.
@Jeanie: thank you.
@Marie: I think so.
ReplyDelete@Angie: I've always liked it.
@Red: thank you.
@Gemel: me too.
@Beth: thanks.
@Jan: it was.