November 4, 2011
I was going to write about something else until something more topical came up in yesterday’s Toronto Star. On the back page of the Business Section was a great article on last weekend’s Toronto International Art Fair. Last Sunday I visited the Fair–the proof’s in the picture. This was my first time. It was a spectacular, at times overwhelming, experience. Loads of great work lined what seemed to be miles of aisles. Dealers from thirteen countries showcased their best artists.
The first and only time I'll be in the Star's Business section?
Some discoveries included Texas-based Helen Altman. Her sensitive “torch” drawings of fauna bring pyrography to a new level. Also, Michael Merrill’s discrete ink and gouache studies of architectural spaces were exquisite and technically accomplished. Joscelyn Gardner’s lithographs were featured at the Open Studio booth. We’ll be seeing more of her works at Station Gallery in early 2012. Can’t wait!
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November 4, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Tanya Petruk
I went on Friday with my son. We had a lot of fun, except when he almost knocked over a Damien Hurst skull. (He’s 4)
November 4, 2011 at 1:48 pm
curator by day
That’s hilarious, Tanya! Although pretty scarry at the time it happened.
November 6, 2011 at 10:02 am
Sharon E. Steinhaus
This is the first year I’ve missed the show in awhile, I’ve always loved it. Glad you had a great time and to end up as part of the story by being in the photo is a BONUS!
November 23, 2011 at 9:59 am
Kal Honey
Hey O!
Nice candid portrait of you in the Star, there. Pity they couldn’t clear away some of the rif-raf. We went for the first time this year too, and were quite impressed. We only took in a small chunk, but saw tons of great stuff, including the torch pieces. Had a nice chat with the gallery rep about how she soaks the paper first to buy a bit more time to work them, but she still has a pretty high failure rate — talk about burnout. Also loved the deconstructed LeWitt piece — it had a really hilarious title that, of course, I can’t remember now…
November 23, 2011 at 4:30 pm
curator by day
Amazing insight, Kal! I had no idea and was baffled by how the torch drawings were done… I’m glad you spoke with the sales rep.