Forget Paris, London and New York. Vancouver artists aren't trying to compete with these international art hubs. They're not even playing the same game. Vancouver's art scene is innovative because - right now - it answers to no one. Vancouver's art scene is doing what it wants, and not out of fear of coercion, not because of external influences and not even to appease financiers in order to achieve financial inducements. The best art is, arguably, created by channeling one's inner vision in order to produce something that is unique, unadulterated and wholly representative of the artist and his/her intention and state of being. Vancouver is pure art.
If you'd like to see a collection of impressionist paintings, go to Paris (although we have been known to exhibit this type of art in Vancouver on occasion). In contrast, works by local artists such as Jeff Wall and Marianne Nicolson are elegant privileges awarded only to deserving and appreciative Vancouverites - and our beloved tourists.
With such a thriving art scene along with exhibitions being mounted simultaneously in dozens of galleries around the lower mainland, the one true pleasure is the degree of modesty with which many of Vancouver's artists, curators and gallery owners present their work. It seems plausible, if not facile that many of our local talent could develop Manhattan-sized egos to accompany their big, bold pieces. Fortunately, this have not been, and hopefully will not become, the case.
So it remains, in this writer's opinion, that the humble and unassuming nature of our local art scene is its blessing, second only to the quantity and quality of exhibits shown in our fair city and I for one, am proud to have access to such a vibrant array of world class art in my own backyard.
For more information on Vancouver art events and upcoming art exhibitions go to UQ Events and search for art.
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