Local artists pay tribute at the Gallery

Two very special exhibitions were celebrated at an opening reception Thursday evening at the Art Gallery of Algoma.

Drawn Together in Algoma pays tribute to the 1918 boxcar excursion made by the Group of Seven to the Algoma region.

Inspired by the Group of Seven's vivid energy and the area's rugged beauty, local artists including Robert-Ralph Carmichael, Noni Boyle, Zoey Wood-Solomon, Robert Patterson, Maria Parrella-Ilaria, Jude Ortiz and John Hornstein have works on display to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the historic event.

Hornstein's massive piece, Self Portrait Exploring Algoma, utilizes digital technology to depict the artist in the ancient landscape of Old Woman Bay.

While his means of expression have a modern edge, he says the bold and dramatic portrayals of Northern Ontario by the Group of Seven have always inspired him.

The Group of Seven's body of work has had an immense impact on the art and culture of this country, but its importance is unfortunately frequently overlooked in other parts of the world, says Hornstein.

"If you put them up against the work of van Gogh or Monet, the Group of Seven will not suffer and stand proudly on its own," he told SooToday.com.

Members of the Group of Seven and their contemporaries are represented in the second exhibition currently on display at the Gallery, The Group of Seven and Their Influence.

Works include that of A.Y. Jackson, J.E.H. MacDonald, F.H. Varley, Arthur Lismer, Franklin Carmichael, A.J. Casson, Tom Thompson, Emily Carr and Ken MacDougall.

Both exhibitions are currently available for public view.

Drawn Together in Algoma runs until Saturday, October 18, and The Group of Seven and Their Influence will remain on display until Saturday, November 1.

For further information about the Art Gallery of Algoma, please visit www.artgalleryofalgoma.ca

More SooToday.com entertainment headlines