Inside the Collection: Selected Works from the CBU Art Gallery’s Permanent Collection, reflects the Cape Breton University (CBU) Art Gallery’s diverse and eclectic collection. Surveying more than forty years of collecting activity at CBU, this exhibition is organized to highlight significant works and areas of strength in the collection. The exhibition runs until June 12.
“This is the only place in Nova Scotia you’re going to see this collection of artists – Picasso, Georges Braque, Henry Moore – in one place,” says Gallery and Collections Technician, John Mathews. “We’ve tried to highlight and parallel high profile artists with Canadian and Aboriginal artists. It’s a pretty eclectic arrangement of artworks, but it represents what our collection is composed of, which is, major European artists, Canadian artists, Aboriginal artists, and Folk Art.”
There are a number of Cape Breton connections in the exhibition including paintings of Cape Breton and Margaree Harbour, by Group of Seven artists Arthur Lismer and A.Y. Jackson, and works by Cape Breton residents Robert Frank and Jacques Hurtubise. Some sculptures and whirligigs from the Gallery’s extensive collection of Nova Scotian Folk Art will be on public display for the first time, including Nude Seated Fiddler, by New Waterford artist, Murray Gallant.
The Picasso notebook, the most well-known and valuable work in the Gallery’s collection will be shown in a digital format. “In some ways it’s better than the real thing,” says Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sara Roth. “It’s more interactive. You can flip the pages, and see the entire book, including funny little notes and sketches that show insight into his thought processes as a young artist.”
Members of the community are encouraged to attend the opening reception on Friday, and visit the CBU Art Gallery throughout the exhibit to explore many unique artworks from Picasso to Alex Colville, works by pioneering women artists, Aboriginal artists, Pop artists, and photographers.
The CBU Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm.
