Features
In the Atmosphere
On January 20, 2021, Jill Biden highlighted a Robert S. Duncanson painting at the US inauguration reception. Find out about Duncanson’s years in Montreal and connections with Canadian artists in this story from our Fall 2020 issue, “Chroma”
In the Atmosphere
On January 20, 2021, Jill Biden highlighted a Robert S. Duncanson painting at the US inauguration reception. Find out about Duncanson’s years in Montreal and connections with Canadian artists in this story from our Fall 2020 issue, “Chroma”
Beirut Report: Lebanon as a State of Mind
This year, for the second time ever, Lebanon will be exhibiting at the Venice Biennale. Calgary artist Jason de Haan, currently spending a year in Beirut, reports on the launch of that initiative, as well as contemporary gallery, festival and artist-run scenes in the ancient city.
Sue Carter Flinn’s Top 3: Atlantic Above All
The importance of place in the making of art—and art communities—weaves through Halifax critic Sue Carter Flinn’s top picks for the year. From a once-closed watering hole to an over-protected city park, Carter Flinn maps out her local bests.
Marie-Eve Beaupré’s Top 3: Quebec Quality
Painting, excess and excellent solo shows are three hallmarks of 2010 for Montrealer Marie-Eve Beaupré. In her best-ofs, she discusses how these trends applied to a couple of big, internationally known names—and to a less familiar Quebec one too.
Ivan Jurakic’s Top 3: Outstanding in Ontario
Impressed by a number of solid mid-career survey exhibitions this past year, Ontario curator Ivan Jurakic pulls three out of the mix that he feels really opened up an artist’s work—even if the price was an enduring sense of unease.
Amy Fung’s Top 3: Prairie Prescience
From Winnipeg to Edmonton—and occasionally well beyond—Alberta critic Amy Fung finds her best of 2010 in a mix of old masters and new buildings. Civics, community and the logistics of travelling shows also pique the interest of this road-warrior reporter.
Danielle Egan’s Top 3: Best of BC
A strange brew of fantasy films, wilderness outings, space-time snippets and raucous romances makes Vancouver writer Danielle Egan’s year-end picks both super and natural. Her choices lead off the cross-country part two of our year in review.
Vanessa Nicholas’ Top 3: Of Solos and Selfhood
Introspection and identity—not to mention a good dose of feminist and critical perspective—are showcased in editorial intern Vanessa Nicholas’ year-end picks. She’s also the only staffer to select a book (a Drawn & Quarterly, in fact) as one of her favourite art experiences of the year.
David Balzer’s Top 3: Haunted Heroes
Echoes of the past—be it tendencies to romantic expression or remakes of unfinished films—run through assistant editor David Balzer’s top picks for the best shows of 2010. And yet, as he notes, these shows are all strikingly contemporary.
Leah Sandals’ Top 3: Reassured by Objects
Is this what too much time on the web will do to a critic? Associate online editor Leah Sandals decides to get physical with her year-end picks, which tend to craft, sculpture and other tactile, three-dimensional realms.
Bryne McLaughlin’s Top 3: Projective Imaginations
Whether looking at films, maps or archives, managing editor Bryne McLaughlin found many rich grounds for historical and psychological projection in 2010. In discussing his three year-end picks, he sheds light on these complex effects and more.