The Rise of Science Fiction

By Tanya Robson

There have been many fantastic science fiction books and films over the years covering a huge range of stories and ideas. Pioneers of the sci-fi genre include Jules Vern and H.G Wells who were coming up with imaginative and unique books covering a range of sci-fi subjects back in the nineteenth century. Once television and film had become well established as an entertainment avenue, sci-fi films began to emerge and in 1953 George Pal produced The War Of Worlds, which was based on the classic H.G Wells novel from 1898, although it was brought up to date to the current period. This film was one of many that inspired whole generations and sci-fi fans and the growing popularity of sci-fi resulted in many TV shows and films being produced.

One of the most popular hit TV series was Star Trek which was first televised on 8th September 1966, and is still gracing our screens over forty years later. Star trek has also been made into several feature-length movies over the decades and has helped establish itself as a household name along with other sci-fi greats such as Stars Wars which is considered by many to be one of the greatest science fiction films ever. Other popular science fiction greats include marvel comics and Dr Who both of which have also had films made in the past due to their success.

Science fiction is big business and these days it has gone way beyond just books and films. Many of the classics such as Stars Wars and Star Trek have a whole line of merchandise which is high on every avid collectors list. There are a huge variety of goods including model figures, clothing, costumes and electrical goods, to name but a few and you can even attend conventions which attract huge crowds. Our fascination with science fiction seems to be endless and for many it is the perfect way to forget the hum-drum boredom of everyday life and embrace something truly out of this world.

Tanya is a part-time journalist who writes occasional articles on science fiction films and merchandise, whilst working for Forbidden Planet.

Vancouver's Art Scene

By Ryan Clark
 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.