One of the spiffy new Heenan Blaikie boardrooms features a glossy, blown-up photo of a regular-looking girl with short, curly brown hair kissing the cheek of a white marble statue. I’ve watched quite a few people look at this print, raise their eyebrows (literally) and then mutter “hmm” or “harumph” (yes, people do mutter such things). In the corner, across from the girl-on-statue shot, two clay arms hang from the ceiling, stringed, palm over palm. Most people don’t seem to know what to make of this piece either.
I’m in love with both of them, simply because they can mean whatever I want them to mean. The kissing girl can symbolize affection for art, loving someone heartless, being delusional or anything else I can imagine. I see those clay limbs as the hands of God, descending down into the sometimes dark corporate netherworld.
But who knows if I’m right? And who cares? Because really, no one conclusion is more correct than any other when dissecting the meaning of works of art. In a profession where we are constantly pressured to find the right answer to complex questions, I value any activity that is purely subjective, such as the sports of gallery hopping and art gazing.
I wasn’t an art major and I’m not an art critic, but I do know that analyzing interesting visuals is one way to get out more: out of our constantly churning minds and our loudly brewing thoughts and into the land of make-believe, where whatever you feel is right, actually is.
To get out and into some contemporary Canadian art this weekend, try sampling some of the tiny, spirited galleries tucked away along Queen West or Dundas West. Turn off your BlackBerry or power down your iPhone and revel in the way a piece makes you feel and know that whatever meaning you derive is meant for you. Remember that your truths are just as right, good and correct as anyone else’s may be.
- Angell Gallery
Opening this weekend: the Pulse Miami Art Fair 2009. - loop
I discovered this gallery last summer, jaunting around with a fellow post-call-to-the-bar friend. Super warm space with good vibes. Purchase-worthy pieces abound. - Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art
Not so tiny, but oh-so-spirited. Current exhibitions feature lauded abstract artist John Heward and the edgy Insoon Ha. - Omy
Popular local hang-out and home to the work of Justin Peroff, Broken Social Scene drummer and hip-hop DJ. - *new* gallery
Check out the opening reception of the boisterous Caroline Jean’s exhibition this Saturday from 2-7 p.m. - Clint Roenisch Gallery
Currently on: Black to Back and Light.
Leanne is an associate at Heenan Blaikie LLP. She spends her free time indulging in art, film, music and literature and swears that culture tastes better than chocolate. Her column will appear every Friday here on lawandstyle.ca.
Image: Co-Carry by Brendan Flanagan, part of the 2009 Pulse Miami Art Fair at Angell Gallery