Roctoc: Recent Acquisitions

27 November 2007 – 6 January 2008

Nobuo Kubota, Roctoc, 1986

Nobuo Kubota, Roctoc, 1986

A recently acquired print by Toronto artist Nobuo Kubota, Roctoc alludes to relations between technology and our environment. This humorous self-portrait of the artist in conversation with a rock creates a dialogue around seemingly conflicting notions of Western and Eastern relations with the natural world.

As part of this exhibition of recent acquisitions to the MacKenzie Art Gallery’s permanent collection, it is grouped with a variety of works which encourage recognition of our dependency on relationships with each other, our environments and other spiritual planes. Providing space or critical or spiritual engagement with the artwork, the exhibition explores various representations of technology, land and spirit. Important to this discussion are First Nations and Inuit perspectives and their inclusion in a broader community discourse around technology and tradition.

As one of the major collection institutions in Saskatchewan, contemporary art has been the main focus of collecting since the Gallery’s inception in 1953. As part of the commitment to exhibiting new acquisitions, Roctoc features sculpture, paintings and prints recently acquired by the MacKenzie Art Gallery. The works in this exhibition, all of which are donations, accentuate the continued importance of collectors in the development of the permanent collection.

Artists in the exhibition:

Joseph Angatajuak, George Arluk, Stephen Aqqaq, Jack Butler, Nicholas Ikkuti, Liaaie Itinuar, Tuna Iquliq, John Kavik, Tuukak Kiatainaq, Nobuo Kubota, Noah Kumak, Johnny Pilurtuut, Edward Poitras, Rick Pottruff, Russell Yuristy.

Image:

Nobuo Kubota, Roctoc, 1986
screenprint on paper, edition 12/30
56.2 x 75.8 cm (paper)

Collection of the MacKenzie Art Gallery, gift of John Noestheden

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