Arts Explorer #3: Art Critique

I’ve chosen a painting by William Kurelek titled Reminiscences of Youth (mixed media on board, 1968).

When I look at this painting I see the artist laying down in a bed listening to records. He’s on the move, travelling with a suitcase, poetry, and record player. The dimly lit room frames the bright chaotic and playful snow scene happening outside the window. Children are playing in the snow on a bright winter day. The blue sky and haystack serve as a perfect background for childhood memories. The children are lit up with smiles as they take turns sliding down the haystack and waving back to William. 

Our memories of our childhood can serve many purposes. One of those may be a way to recall simpler times when playing was a top priority. As adults, we often have to juggle priorities and play usually gets lost in the shuffle.

I live in Parkdale and when I make my way east I often pass by the redevelopment happening at 1001 Queen St. W. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is building a brand new hospital to serve clients and the community. The topic of mental health awareness has been buzzing around Toronto this month and so this is an opportunity to re-evaluate our views on addiction and mental health. We all feel stressed or anxious at some point in our lives. Priorities pile up and can feel overwhelming. The important thing is recognizing these feelings and understanding that mental health applies to all of us. So chill out, breathe, put on some records (or a playlist…have you heard the new Radiohead?) and daydream about the next time you’re going to get to play.

Check out CAMH’s website for updates on construction, volunteering opportunities, or to learn more about addiction or mental health

http://www.camh.net/education/Online_courses_webinars/mha101/index.html

Don’t forget about the Maharaja promotion-offering visitors 25 years of age or younger FREE admission to the AGO but only until April 3^rd, 2011.

The AGO is FREE all year long every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:30.

To check out current exhibitions, click here http://www.ago.net/exhibitions

Balance:

The physical and emotional balance in a picture can influence the message or meaning behind an artwork.  In the painting above, Kurelek highlights both of these characteristics. The frame establishes physical parameters and also emphasizes two very different emotional states. The title suggests nostalgia associated with “simpler” times while highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. It’s important to recognize how children represent balance in their artwork and also their daily lives. Striking a balance between work and play should be at the top of everyone’s priorities. The photo to the right was taken in October 2011 on a walk with my dog Jager. I like to take him for long walks by Lake Ontario. I thought he appeared rather stoic in front of these Inukshuk's I stopped to admire.