Georgian College Students Respond to the MacLaren’s Permanent Collection in The Id

The Id is the second in a series of three exhibitions at the MacLarenArtCentre that features artwork by third year Georgian College Students enrolled in the Gallery Studies course, and forms part of the student curriculum. The series is presented in collaboration with the Fine Art Department at Georgian College. This group show, entitled The Id, is on view in the Molson Community Gallery at the MacLarenArtCentre from March 5 through March 29, with an opening reception on March 12 at 7:00 pm.

Responding to select works from the MacLaren’s Permanent Collection, aspiring artists Steve Byrnes, Kevin Campbell, David MacDiarmid and Caitlin Williams explore the notion of identity, encouraging a dialogue with the audience on issues of representation, self, and place:

Steve Byrnes responds to John Hartman’s perception of the identity of landscape, which is occupied with evidence and scars of human activity. Byrne’s notion is in juxtaposition with his archetypal conception of the identity of the landscape, which is a pure and untouched place in personal perception. Kevin Campbell builds upon his own artistic focus, especially in subject matter, by referencing James Lahey’s portfolio with specific focus on the Bone Paintings series. It is the notion of projecting a narrative onto an object or having a preconceived notion of its significance establishes an identity, placement and significance of this object in society that Campbell engages to consider in his works. David MacDiarmid draws from the work of Thomas Sherlock Hodgson. Hodgson’s abstract work can be viewed as a means to express creativity in an era that rebelled against an established art community and organized society. MacDiarmid, in comparison, combines elements of subcultures that rebel against established cultural norms in society. The notion of identity and place in society is the consideration. Caitlin Williams is responding specifically to the work Atlantic Ocean, Watch Hill by James Lahey. Both artists speak to the idea of personal identity in light of the grandeur and vastness of the world with consideration to humanity as a whole. Lahey and William’s work raises the fundamental question: “Who am I?”

GENERAL INFORMATION

Gallery Location: The MacLarenArtCentre is located at 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, ON., L4M 3M2. From highway 400 north, take the Dunlop Street East exit to Mulcaster Street and turn left. We are on the right hand side just opposite City Hall.

Gallery Hours: The MacLaren is open Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday noon to 4:00 pm. Suggested admission $5. The MacLaren is closed statutory holidays.

Gallery Tours: Guided tours for the public, community groups and schools are available by appointment. On Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 pm there will be a free public tour of the current exhibitions.

Family Sundays: Every Sunday from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, the MacLaren hosts a Family Drop-In where regional artists lead creative activities in the Rotary Education Centre. Materials are provided. Admission is $5 per child/free for Family Membership holders.

Contact Information: For more information on exhibitions, events and educational programming, email maclaren@maclarenart.com, tel. (705) 721-9696, or visit our website at www.maclarenart.com.