About
A journey through the film and video work of the artist/filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, from his early underground punk super 8 experimental work to his transition into more mainstream porn to his independent feature films and continued work in mainstream pornography. In this Masterclass, LaBruce poses the following question: “What is it exactly that differentiates something considered pornographic, and therefore somehow taboo or even forbidden, from something that is more accepted or tolerated in, shall we say, “polite society?” As a queer punk who started using pornography as a political strategy in the 80’s, it’s a question I’ve been asked countless times.”
This program is presented as a part of the 2025 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts Exhibition, opening at the MacKenzie Art Gallery on December 4, 2026.
The MacKenzie would like to thank Queer City Cinema for their support of this program as a community partner.
CONTENT NOTICE: This program will include images of nudity and graphic/sexual content.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The MacKenzie Art Gallery is proud to be the inaugural host for a new format of the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts exhibition. Each year, a new institution across Canada will host an exhibition of work by the recipients of this prestigious award, starting here in Regina for 2025.
The exhibition will feature the work of eight artists and curators who have helped to shape the Canadian art landscape over the course of their exceptional careers and will include artworks and curatorial projects by each of the 2025 winners intended to highlight key elements of each laureate’s creative practice.
Artists like Clive Robertson and Bruce LaBruce have expanded beyond the bounds of the visual arts world. Robertson has had a profound impact on artist-centred publishing, while LaBruce has left an indelible mark on contemporary Queer film in Canada and Europe. Daina Augaitis, the sole curator recognized this year, is known for scholarship and mentorship enacted through sustained engagement with artists. Artists Kent Monkman and Jin-me Yoon are both admired for their now iconic works featuring variations on their own likenesses. Both Yoon and Monkman question the bond between place and identity with humour and historical context. Thaddeus Holownia and Peter Pierobon, working at either side of the country, both respond to their natural surroundings. Pierobon often works with natural materials found in British Columbia, while Holownia traces the built environment and avian life near his home in New Brunswick. Sandra Rodriguez’s practice has been path-breaking in the world of digital art, bringing creative digital innovations within Canada to international attention. Rodriguez has embraced and imbued new technologies with her own creative force.
By looking back at the long trajectory of the award winners’ careers, we celebrate the dedication that each winner’s practice represents and look ahead to where their work may take them next.