William Perehudoff, AC-82-32, 1982. Acrylic on canvas, 74 in. x 40 in.
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Break out the charcuterie and invite some of Canada’s finest artists into your home by attending the fifth edition of Art Now. This year we are bringing our galleries to you via a curated online format, meaning that Canada’s hottest new art venue could be your living room, office or backyard—just add Merlot.
Saskatchewan has long been defined by its strange geometry: the quadrilateral lines that make up its shape, the flat horizons that split one’s perspective in two, the trees that protrude perpendicularly from the boreal soil. There is nuance among these harsh lines too: Rivers meander, gently carving out their own contours. Waves of snow soften and melt, revealing fields engraved by wind. Of course, these natural and artificial structures are a perfect playground for those who seek to subvert them. There are lines to be crossed, boundaries to be broken.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Saskatchewan has always been home to communities of artisans, craftspeople and artists. Long before colonists scored the landscape into provinces, local Indigenous peoples were creating art in response to the land. Over the years, the area has been home to high-calibre artists working in a myriad of mediums, and the diversity and versatility of Saskatchewan creators has brought them to the forefront of national and global art scenes.
Due to its hybrid virtual setting, this year’s Art Now is a truly borderless experience. The fifth edition is unique in that it features Saskatchewan galleries exclusively, so the province’s distinct flair will be on full display to those attending.
The festivities begin with an exclusive opening on September 17, available to those who reserve an access code. Advance-access attendees will have the first chance to purchase works, and the unique pleasure of mingling with gallerists online. The remainder of the fair is open to the general public starting September 18, and patrons will enjoy art and programming throughout the week. This year’s sessions are tailored to a physically distanced world, with speakers exploring how isolation can influence the ways we collect and interact with art. To showcase the work of some of the province’s tinier visionaries, a kids’ gallery will be also be on display during the fair.
Advance-access codes for Art Now can be reserved by emailing coordinator@saskgalleries.ca. For more information on exhibitors, programming or the on-location portion of the fair, please visit artnow.ca.
