The Varley Art Gallery of Markham, located in Historic Unionville – about a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto – is currently running an exhibit called Carnival – The Spirit and the Soul. This summer exhibition, curated by Teodoro Dragonieri and Christopher Jackson, has over 200 works, in a variety of mediums, that will interest visitors of all ages. Our six-year-old was fascinated with the brilliant colours adorning every wall in the gallery. It was also great to learn how Carnival is celebrated in different countries.
This multi-media exhibition uses theatrical narrative and the mask as an element of storytelling, common to virtually every world culture.
by Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Over 200 works, including carnival and theatrical masks, photography and mixed media works engage the viewer and prompt a dialogue about the evolution and continued social relevance of the Carnival tradition and its parallels with today’s artistic practice
by Varley Art Gallery of Markham
On June 7th Varley celebrated the Carnival of the Arts at the Unionville Festival. It was an excellent family event that opened the Carnival – The Spirit and the Soul exhibit to visitors for free. As well, an event-filled day was planned around the Carnival theme. Some of the activities included making your own mask.
Ardeleana, a performance group, staged a wonderful children’s story in the Varley Gallery Courtyard. With a mix of music, theatre and dance , kids of all ages were quite enthralled with the story called Melissa’s Song.
Interested in seeing this exhibit? Well, the Varley Art Gallery will be organizing a few more Carnival-themed events during the summer. For more information: varleygallery.ca
Story: Anna Rodrigues
Images: Phil Raby
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Thank you Anna – glad you enjoyed Melissa. The Carnival was a parntership between the Varley Gallery and Blue Bridge Festival – did you catch the canoe ballet by any chance? My favourite part was sitting in the canoe/raft where I was paddling, and watching all the kids in their masks swaying gently in time to the operatic arias and the canoes on the pavilion- truly a beautiful site.
I am the author/composer of Melissa’s Song – I would so grateful for any pictures you may have of it – despite many performances I am always without any kind of documentation of the show! THanks so much for you interest and comments.
We didn’t see the canoe ballet but I heard it was wonderful. I will pass along the request for images to the photographer and he will get back to you.
Thanks Anna – wait till next year. ORCKA has got the idea now, and I think that canoe ballet will really grow! The opera singers love it too…it is just too much fun….