Theo Sims: The Candahar

Theo Sims: The Candahar
April 30 – September 25, 2016

The Candahar by Winnipeg-based artist Theo Sims is a detailed and meticulously hand crafted recreation of the interior of a historic Belfast public house (the Blackthorn). Named for a South Belfast Street, the installation is complete when “staffed” in collaboration with two Belfast bartenders, Chris and Conor Roddy, who act as unscripted performers. Fusing the authentic with the fantastic through the insertion of a functioning pub in a Canadian art gallery, The Candahar provides an open space for exchange and intercultural encounters.

A nationally significant work, this is the first time it has been presented in Saskatchewan. Social interaction is at the heart of The Candahar: a sculpture that asks how we might consider the familiarity of a neighbourhood pub as a proposition for something more. Participatory in nature, the installation acts as a catalyst for conversation, debate and dialogue. Prompted by individual experiences, we are encouraged to consider diverse sociocultural/sociopolitical contexts that inform personal and communal identity, how these are often used to delineate connections to place, and how we relate to and treat one another.

While at the MacKenzie The Candahar will serve as a site for various artist-led talks, performances, and events. Every Thursday evening visitors are invited to the pub to engage with guest bar hosts from Regina’s vibrant community.

Organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery with the support of Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture, Saskatchewan Arts Board, City of Regina, and University of Regina.

Opening Weekend at The Candahar

Friday, April 29

6:00 PM: Members’ Preview
7:00 PM: Public Opening and Remarks

Saturday, April 30

3:00 PM: Art Conversation Series: Art and its Publics in ‘Post-Conflict’ Northern Ireland presented by Daniel Jewesbury in The Candahar
3:00 – 9:00 PM: The Candahar will be open for refreshments.

Open for Refreshments Thursdays 5 – 9 PM

From April 30 to September 22, join special guests on Thursdays at 6:00 PM in The Candahar for dialogue, debate, and maybe even a pint! 

Special Guests:

May 5, 2016: Dylan Miner * 7:00 PM

May 12, 2016: Marc Spooner

May 19, 2016: Jean Freeman

May 26, 2016: Jayden Pfeifer and Johanna Bundon

June 2, 2016: Kyle Herranen

June 9, 2016: Regina Advocates for Design (RAD)

June 16, 2016: Alexis Losie and Eric Greenway

June 23, 2016: FadaDance

June 30, 2016: Marshall Burns of Rah Rah

July 7, 2016: Belle Plaine and Blake Berglund

July 14, 2016: Judy Anderson

July 21, 2016: Jeanne Randolph

July 28, 2016: Argentine Tango

August 4, 2016: Sandra Butel

August 11, 2016: Judy Wensel and Kris Alvarez

August 18. 2016: Taron Cochrane

August 25, 2016: Chicken & Wine

September 1, 2016: Jeffrey Allport, Kara Uzelman, and Lee Henderson

September 8, 2016: Anthony Kiendl

September 15, 2016: Ben Tingley and Dave Pettigrew

September 22, 2016: Ayla Dmyterko and Madeleine Greenway

September 23, 2016: Rebecca Belmore

* Check back for regular updates to our schedule of guest hosts!

Theo Sims, The Candahar, (Vancouver), 2010. Photo: Theo Sims.

In the News:

Regina Leader-Post

ICI Saskatchewan

Prairie Dog Magazine

Theo Sims, The Candahar, (Vancouver), 2010. Photo: Theo Sims.