Visual Art & Art History News

The Left Space is a new digital commission by internationally renowned artist Brendan Fernandes, created specifically for this moment in time and for the AGO, that considers how we, the global left, have found ourselves in this predicament.

Join the MLC Research Centre to celebrate the release of Ingrid E. Mida’s Reading Fashion in Art, a richly illustrated, multidisciplinary study on the importance of dress and fashion in critically analyzing visual art.

I hope this message finds you and your families and communities in good health and spirits during the current circumstances. I know that the conditions necessitated by COVID-19 have lasted much longer than expected and I am grateful for your continued resilience and widespread generosity shown by people throughout AMPD over the past six months.

Pride Month 2020 will be remembered as a month of action. Without the big parade or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on Church Street, we were forced to set aside the free swag, the "gay tourism" and the corporate sponsorships to reflect on why we celebrate Pride in the first place. We were reminded that it is a time to protest, to care for ourselves, care for those who live in the margins, and to make some noise. And looking back at this past year, it is clear that AMPD made a lot of noise.

Another school year has come to an end, which means it is time to celebrate and send-off our graduating class as they prepare themselves for the next stage of their careers.

These are truly extraordinary circumstances. In any other year, we would gather in the large Centre of Excellence at the Aviva Centre, surrounded by family and friends. There would be hugs, high fives, and photo opportunities. But even though the love cannot be shared in-person, we want the Class of 2020 to know that we hold them deeply in our hearts.

Last week, President Rhonda Lenton wrote to the York community about the University’s planning for the fall academic term. That message emphasized adherence to public health and safety and access to courses so that students can progress in their programs. The message also noted the potential for select experiential activities on campus. As explained in that communication, courses will clearly state whether on-campus activities may be required.

The weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, spring is here and we’ve reached the end of another school year. For our graduating students in the Department of Visual Arts & Art History (VAAH), this time of year usually signifies the opening of a special showcase downtown Toronto; an opportunity to exhibit art for the general public in the cultural hub of Queen West at Gallery 1313.

Brandon Vickerd, a professor in the visual arts and art history departments in York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) and the director of the University’s digital sculpture lab, spearheaded an effort to donate more than 600 masks, as well as gloves and face shields, to Hamilton Health Services for distribution across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.