Fashion Fiction: the Vancouver Art Gallery

And Some Serious Strolling

I believe a big part of Canada's major strength is anchored by its cultural diversity. Over my lifetime, immigration to Canada has ushered in profound change. While some will strongly challenge my assessment, I offer it as a friendly neighbor leaning over the fence. In fact, I believe neighbors are frequently better at spotting what we cannot see ourselves. As an example I typically trust the critical assessment of US politics presented in Toronto's Globe and Mail over anything published in the US.

I firmly believe that, although not without pain, Canada's decades of cultural assimilation has deepened a national understanding of global issues, while solidifying a stronger foundation for Canada in its expanding role in international commerce and diplomacy. 

And, as a friendly neighbor, I can assure you that your efforts stand in contrast to those now held in my own beloved nation. During the same time frame we in the US have increasingly looked inward and perfected a national agoraphobia. Many US citizens are now consumed by fear with a capital "F". And this Fear is increasingly manifest in violence and vitriol directed at anyone with differing complexions, religions, gender identities and / or languages. Ring the wrong doorbell and get shot through the door by some twit "standing their ground".

By never putting our phones down (I too admit this with guilt) we have become numb to the relentless clickbait lies delivered to us 24/7. The lies are now highly personalized, manipulative and intended to be triggering. Just like the meddling in our elections, the lies are generated by trolls in St. Petersburg. Lincoln was right "a house divided cannot stand". By strategic use of social media our sworn enemies have convinced us to arm ourselves, choose sides and prepare for a second civil war. 

But on a happier note...

One thing is for sure in Canada. The increasing wealth of diversity sure as hell has improved Canada's formerly dismal food scene. Lets face it peameal bacon, maple syrup and ice wine only goes so far.

But now - wow, Canada's food scene is dazzling! Exhibit 1, was my hotel breakfast. What a wonderful blend of cultural influences; panko crusted crab scotch eggs with dukkah dusted avocado. 

Damn!

A Simple, Kinda Epic, Breakfast

 

After a breakfast like that I knew I had to get my butt in gear and seize the day. And, I decided it would be a museum day. 

 

Now, for first timers to Vancouver (with only enough time to visit one museum) I'd strongly advise a visit to its Anthropological Museum at the UBC (University of British Columbia). The building is arguably Arthur Erickson's finest masterwork, and the collection it holds is the best of its kind in the world.

 

But as I've visited it many times, I felt it was time for something new and decided to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG).

My arrival to the VAG brought two surprises: first, the main entrance is not at all where it should be, and second, the museum presents zero traditional, historical and / or fine art. Instead, its focus is on an ever changing series of unique exhibitions.

Nope, Not the Front Door

To find the sad new entry to the VAG you'll have to walk around to the back of the building where the current entrance was relocated to face Robson Square (the building being modeled in the middle of the night all those years ago.) 

In Robson Square Erickson made full use of his "Noble Stone of the Twentieth Century" (concrete). But, now Robson Square's aesthetic feels pretty tired and brutal.

 

Robson Square From the Entry to the VAG

Currently the VAG features two main exhibitions. The third floor presents the life and works of Abenaki filmmaker and activist Alanis Obosawin. The exhibit entitled "The Children Have to Hear Another Story" chronicles Obosawin's lifetime spent recording, preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures. The way history is presented to an outsider is pretty dense and can be confusing. But, taken in whole, it portrays a heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful, story.

The second major exhibit was Fashion Fictions. This exhibit surveys creative and highly experimental fashion; it is a slam dance of fashion created using unexpected materials and forms. To me it seemed like the natural progression of the work I saw from a young Issey Miyake nearly 50 years ago. Of special note to me were creations by Iris van Herpen (who was showcased in a fashion exhibit presented by the Phoenix Art Museum a few years back.)

The exhibit begins with a retrospective of eighties era efforts in fashion futurism. Then it goes on to presents examples of conceptual clothing using everything from paper to building construction materials.

 

Design Using Folded Paper

There is an entire gallery devoted to fashion examples using the imagery and inspiration of "puffy" coats.

Puffy Coats and Pants

A Puffer Blanket

Gethsemane Collection

Rick Owens (2021)
 

Utopie: But Beautiful III Collection (Silk)

Jun Takahashi (2017)

Hydro Medusa Dress Sensory Seas Collection

Iris van Herpen (2020)

 

Another Piece by van Herpen

Another Paper Dress

Stina Randestad (2022)

The exhibit was an enjoyable way to spend a morning. It left with the balance of my day to use to explore and just be a tourist along the at Coal Harbor promenade. It was some great people watching.

 

Roadboy's Travels © 2023