Art: Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto

Last weekend, I went to the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Toronto. It was interesting to go to that part of Toronto (Bloor/Lansdowne) as my mom grew up in the neighbourhood, and so much has changed since she left. Although I don’t remember much about her childhood home as I was very young when my grandfather moved out of it, I do remember a lot of her stories, and seeing the area – what with the addition of MOCA and Drake Commissary – just made me think about the passing of time and the evolution of Toronto. It certainly wasn’t as “hip” as it is now when my mom lived there.Beyond my mini walk down memory lane, the opening of MOCA was busy. The stylish artsy crowd mixed in beautifully with families and kids of all ages. The place was hopping! What I most enjoyed was speaking with the artists. My friends and I spoke with Nep Sidhu who is the artist behind several incredible textiles. One of his pieces – part of his When My Drums Come Knocking, They Watch series – was inspired by Kahil El’Zabar. Sir Kahil El’Zabar was also at MOCA, and he took the time to chat with us about jazz, Chicago, and, of course, art. On such a busy day, with so many people wanting to speak to the artists, I was impressed at how they shared their stories in such a relaxed and open way.

The work of Tim Whiten caught my attention not just because his pieces were in my favourite colour, but because they’re made of glass. Absolutely stunning.

Then there was the large-sized graphic words of LA-based artist Barbara Kruger. You can see more of Barbara Kruger’s works on ArtNet.

The MOCA is five floors of interesting art installations. There are quite a few video exhibits on at the moment in addition to graphic art, sculpture, and mixed media installations. There’s an interactive area for kids, too.

If you like contemporary art, then I’m sure you’ll be happy to visit MOCA. It’s a great addition to Toronto’s art and museum community.

Giveaway: Caviar20 + Glenn Dixon Home by KORHANI Home

Well, have I got a treat for you this Monday morning! I’ve teamed up with Caviar20 and Korhani to giveaway a beautiful area rug designed by Canadian design star Glenn Dixon. Excited? So am I! Happy Monday, dear readers!

If you had a chance to stop by Art Toronto this weekend, you may have noticed Dixon’s Korhani rugs in the VIP Lounge designed by Troy Seidman of Caviar20. If not, here’s a quick peek:

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Quite a piece of art, isn’t it? The 8×12 rug would look equally interesting in a bedroom, living room, or dining room. Don’t you agree? Dixon’s Korhani rugs will officially launch in 2015.

Since I worked with Troy from Caviar20 to arrange this post, I just had to think about what pieces I would pick from Caviar20 to pair with the rug. Here are my top choices:

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Robert Sonneman “Aluminum Spot” pair of lamps, $750

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Es Keramik “Zebra Planters”, $175

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Karl and Rose white decanter duo, $475

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Tahir Mahmood “Sarod” table lamp, $495

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Andy Warhol hand coloured flowers screen print 1974, $12,000

Oh, so divine!

Giveaway details:

1. To enter, leave a comment letting me know what piece from Caviar20 you think would look perfect with the white marble rug.

2. For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway (e.g., I just entered a @KorhaniHome + @Caviar20 giveaway on @WhiteCabana).

3. Giveaway ends Friday, October 31, 2014. Good luck!

Note: Winner will be required to pick up the rug from Caviar20‘s Toronto location. If the winner cannot pick up the rug in Toronto, we can arrange to have the rug shipped at winner’s expense.

Get going, enter now!

Many thanks to Caviar20 and Glenn Dixon Home by KORHANI Home for sponsoring this giveaway.

The Friday Five: Art Toronto 2012

Exactly one week ago I was browsing amazing collections of art at Art Toronto – Canada’s largest modern and contemporary art fair. Galleries from around the world came to display (and sell) some very special works of art – including eye-catching sculptures, photography, paintings and drawings.

Meddle by Andrew Smith, beeswax acrylic and plaster on plywood

Surrogate (monkey topiary) by Bethany Krull, porcelain & paper

Self-portrait White Marilyn by Yasumasa Morimura

as the wind carried it away by Matt Donovan & Hallie Siegal

Evocations by Andrew Fernandez, mixed media on paper

Images by me.

 

20 Below: Art Toronto 2012

This year’s Art Toronto is sure to inspire. Modern and contemporary art will fill the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from October 26-29th and event goers will enjoy thousands of works of art from more than a hundred galleries from 23 countries. This is Canada’s only modern and contemporary international art fair so, go on, buy your tickets (less than $20)!

adult ticket is $18; via Art Toronto

I attended Art Toronto 2011 and wrote about it here and here.