CANADIAN ART

Jeff Thomas, Richard Poafpybitty, Pink Panther, 1982. From the series Strong Hearts: The Powwow Dancers 1981–96

The history of indigenous people performing for colonial audiences inspires “Sovereign Acts,” a current Toronto group show. As Max Mosher writes, the show—featuring Lori Blondeau, Adrian Stimson and others—is both campy and contemplative. Read more…

Luke Painter, The Arch of William Morris. Courtesy LE Gallery and Luke Painter

Melding William Morris–style ornamentation with more contemporary concerns, artist Luke Painter detours around dry academicism for something more vibrant and visceral. Mariam Nader reviews his current Toronto show at LE Gallery, finding depth in decoration. Read more…

Tessar Sebastian Lo, After All, Ecstasy, 2012. Courtesy the artist and Cooper Cole Gallery

Currently on at Cooper Cole Gallery in Toronto is an exhibition that juxtaposes two young Canadian artists of distinctly different practices—one more emotional and illustrative, the other more conceptual and abstract. Mariam Nader reviews. Read more…

Micah Lexier Things Exist, Example No.1 2011 Courtesy Birch Libralato / photo Toni Hafkenscheid (via Canadian Art — Micah Lexier: The Art of Choosing)

It’s often said that art-making is about making choices—what medium to use, what scale to deploy, what iconography to draw on. Here, Sarah Milroy reviews Micah Lexier’s current Toronto show, detailing the many decisions made along the way. Read more…

Winnie Truong Watchin’ Girl 2011 Courtesy the artist and Erin Stump Projects

A year after graduating with her OCADU BFA, Winnie Truong’s bolstered her CV with exhibitions in New York and awards in Toronto. Now, a solo show at Erin Stump Projects, full of Truong’s striking, hirsute subjects, continues to live up to the promise. Read more…