By Alison Brown
Today I went to the opening of the new Art Gallery of Ontario. I was looking forward to seeing the changes that Architect Frank Gehry had made to this boring ugly structure.
I have memories of stale rooms with historical art and angry guards who used to eye me suspiciously when I was a student at OCAD, as I attempted to sketch some of the great masters
I have high hopes these past experiences have been replaced by a more accessible and light hearted feeling
As I approach the AGO the new 600ft glass and wood façade that runs along Dundas St. from McCaul St to Beverley St. is breath taking. It reminds me of the hull of a crystal boat.
Walking into the main lobby the change is evident immediately. Natural qualities like the imported Spanish stone floors and the organic winding wood banisters that lead you from the front door to the ticket counter give a feeling of warmth that is anything but intimidating.
This winding serpentine look is repeated in the stairwell that goes between the new contemporary galleries on the fourth and fifth floors. From the exterior of the building this looks like a giant conch shell stuck to the back of the building .The view from this stairwell lets you see right down John Street to Lake Ontario in the distance.
This addition means that important Canadian artists like, Michael Snow and Betty Goodwin, get a room of their own.
Mind you much of this work has been around for so long I find myself wondering if they should even be considered contemporary anymore. It seems like I’ve seen this work forever!! I’m happy to say there are many interesting pieces from even newer artists. “Visitors are encouraged to share there ideas and opinions on controversial works like Jim Dine’s Black Bathroom #2.”
The thing that really excited me about the AGO is that art is being displayed in unconventional ways. First Nations and Inuit artworks are juxtaposed with prominent European historical work. What a great way to start a conversation and to breakdown conventional stereotypes about what art is!
I have to say that my favorite part of the gallery though is the Gallery Italia. A long narrow sculpture corridor just behind the new glass facade. The facade’s curved surface is backed by beautiful long curved beams of Douglas Fir. I feel like I am in the belly of a giant whale and the beams are his ribs or I am on the inside of a giant tipped canoe. The light streams in to this area and I find I have a calm feeling opposite to the hustle and bustle of the rushing streetcars going by below. The wood carvings on the wall represent each of the families that have contributed to this part of the gallery.
I really feel the changes to this gallery have truly made it a public building that feels inviting, and I want to encourage everyone who walks by the AGO to go inside and take a look for yourself. Speaking as an artist I can tell you that all artists want everyone to be able to see what they do. Art is not supposed to be elitist and only for the rich or for those that have studied about it in books.
Accessibility is supposed to be a priority for the new AGO, they want everyone to feel like this gallery is available to them. Here are a few options that may help you make the decision to take a look.
Free access programs include:
Free Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30
Free General admission is offered to Ontario Secondary school students aged 13-17 Tuesday through Friday from 3-5:30
Cultural Access Pass: Organized by The Institute for Canadian Culture, The Cultural Access Pass program allows new citizens to learn more about their homeland through culture. Pass holders receive free admission at six participating cultural institutions, including the AGO. For more info visit www.icc-icc.ca
Sun Life Financial Museum and Arts Pass: The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of seven venues participating in the Sun Life Financial Museum and Arts Pass (MAP) program, prepared by the Toronto Public Library. You and your family can explore the best of Toronto’s arts and cultural treasures for free. For more information visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Wow, you sure tell it point blank; boring ugly structure. lol. Love it. gk