Art Toronto 2016 / Preview

Nothing – not the sound of drills, constant beeping of lift trucks backing up, or the awkward presence of yellow ladders everywhere – nothing could distract me from admiring the art pieces at Art Toronto 2016. The opening preview is tonight and as part of the press preview, I was able to have a look at the fair in the morning of the backstage chaos of finishing, exhibitors hanging works and gluing on wall texts. “The fair features 106 galleries from 14 countries and 12 solo shows of distinguished artist,” is what your guide will tell you – but there are no words to describe the colossal beauty of this much art. 

I roamed around the empty booths and got a sneak peak of contemporary art that will be available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend. The first thing to see upon entering is an installation of hammocks and plants almost 3 meters in height. It reminded me of a Rashid Johnson piece, who also uses plants, steel frames, and daily objects like books and movies to examine the issues of nation and race. I was surprised to find out that this piece belongs to Focus: Latin America, that showcases works from emerging contemporary art galleries around Central and South America. The large plant and hammock structure was created by Buró de Intervenciones Públicas. Revolving around urban planning, “Hammock Jungle” is part of an effort to build playgrounds and parks around Guatemala. There is an abundance of empty parking lots there and artists are trying to put good use to those areas. 

Hammock Jungle, Buró de Intervenciones Públicas

Every booth has something interesting to offer, and as I delve more and more into it, I am able to make more and more connections. David Ainsley, of the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in Toronto, was busy hanging his glass pieces up on the wall. They are an almost minimalistic and modern spin on Chihuly’s famous glass works, also on display.

David Ainsley setting up his display at Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto

Other Criteria: New York/London has a beautiful unicorn sculpture which was unfortunately unnamed when I stumbled upon it. On one side it is white with a golden horn, but on the other, the muscles of the horse are drawn in blood red on top of the base white. It somewhat resembled Damien Hirst’s “Mother and Child Divided”, because it shows the inside and the outside of the creature. 

Other Criteria, New York, USA/London, UK

Mersuka Dopazo and Teresa Calderon, Bebiendo Cafe Metan, I Walk, Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, London, UK/New York, USA

Another artist that caught my eye was David Drebin. I initially saw his piece when chatting with Ainsley, who explained that “David used to be a photographer and is currently experimenting with sculpture.” It is a beautiful gold glitter piece of a falling girl – reminiscent of the feeling you get when waking up from a falling sensation. On my way out, I saw a similar sculpture at the Galerie De Bellefeuille –  three red female figures encased in the shape of a heart rather than a tear drop. These pieces are playful and may very well be a big hit with this year’s viewers. 

David Drebin, Tear Drop, Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto

David Drebin, Falling in Love, Galerie de Bellefuille, Montreal

Art Toronto 2016 will amaze the art lovers with its innovative forms, bright colors, and entertaining atmosphere. Be sure to check it out.

Text and photo: Elizaveta Mironova

*Exhibition information: October 28 – 31, 2016, METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE, North Building, Exhibit Hall A & B, 255 Front Street West. Hours: Fri & Sat, 12 – 8 pm., Sun & Mon, 12 – 6 pm.

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