Take a fresh look at one of Canada’s most iconic artists this fall, when the Royal BC Museum welcomes its newest travelling exhibition.
Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing – French Modernism and the West Coast completes its recent cross-Canada tour at the provincial museum Oct. 22 to Jan. 24.
Visitors will also see the exclusive addition of T’anuu – the signature painting from the museum’s permanent collection. (While Carr originally titled the painting Tanoo, Q.C.I., the revised title reflects current geographic designations.)
This illuminating feature exhibition organized by the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, BC, captures the moment Carr revolutionized her painting style – and Canadian modernism – after returning in 1911 from an extended trip to France.
“The Royal BC Museum proudly stewards the world’s largest collection of Emily Carr art and archival materials,” says Royal BC Museum CEO Prof. Jack Lohman. “We are delighted to be able to augment this remarkable exhibition with the addition of T’anuu – a vivid example of Haida Gwaii artistry captured by Carr in her newly expanded painting style.”
“It is a unique opportunity to be able to see this exhibition here at the Royal BC Museum,” says Lou-ann Neel, Acting Head of Indigenous Collections and Repatriation. “After seeing Carr’s paintings, visitors can head upstairs to the First Peoples Gallery to experience first-hand the Indigenous art that inspired her paintings, such as one of the house poles featured in T’anuu. This is a chance to understand what Indigenous artists were doing in the same era, and to experience the profound energy of these original monumental works.”
Picnic with Haida guides and old Billie dog, 1912 On her return from France, Emily Carr (centre) travelled to Haida Gwaii with her dog, Billie. She was hosted by the Russ family (Clara Russ pictured, right) and other Indigenous families who offered support and guidance. BC Archives item: F-07756. Image courtesy Royal BC Museum.
Fresh Seeing includes 67 artworks by Carr and her compatriots in France, which chart Carr’s transformation into an artist of the Canadian avant-garde. A micro-exhibition curated from the Royal BC Museum’s own collections will run concurrently near the feature exhibition: Everyday Emily Carr will feature 22 smaller artworks ranging from sketches to small watercolours, as well as postcards, travel expense lists and one of Carr’s hooked rugs.
These personal artifacts and archival records will offer visitors a deeper and more complete picture of Carr as a person, as well as an artist.
Complementary online programming for all ages will also run during the exhibition. Programs are still in development; bookmark rbcm.ca/online-learning for up-to-date information.
As part of ongoing COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols, all visitors will require timed tickets, which will be available for advance purchase online starting Sept. 22. Tickets are $22.95 for adults; $14.95 for students and seniors; $13.95 for youth.
Plan your visit at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller
60-pound chinook part of a ‘unicorn’ year for fishing, says Comox guide