"Canoe" by Doug Cranmer, photo courtesy RBCM and Museum of Anthropology
See the work of a Northwest Coast visionary in Kesu’: The Art and Life of Doug Cranmer at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC (to Sept. 3). The retrospective includes totem poles, masks, bentwood boxes and prints (“Canoe,” pictured), all done in the colourful, punchy style associated with the Kwakwaka’wakw artist’s work. —Kristina Urquhart
"Coke Salish" by Sonny Assu
Memory Test
In A Green Dress: Objects, Memory, and the Museum (to Feb. 12), the Museum of Anthropology explores the memories of cultural communities with pieces such as First Nations artist Sonny Assu’s thought-provoking take on the iconic Coca-Cola sign (“Coke Salish,” pictured).—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT UBC Tu 10 am-9 pm, W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $14, s/s $12, family $35. $7 on Tu from 5 pm-9 pm. 6393 N.W. Marine Dr. 604-822-5087. www.moa.ubc.ca
Photo copyright National Gallery of Canada
Don’t miss Carl Beam at the Museum of Anthropology (to May 29). The National Gallery of Canada’s collection showcases 50 works by the late Ojibway artist, who was a forefather of the Canadian First Nations art movement. Beam’s layering techniques are evident in an acrylic and graphite piece called “The North American Iceberg” (pictured), as well as in his ceramics and large-scale paintings.—Kristina Urquhart
Photo copyright 2010 Man Ray Trust/SOCRAC
How does the camera represent African objects? Find out in Man Ray, African Art and the Modernist Lens at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC (to Jan. 23). See more than 50 photographs taken in the 1920s and ‘30s (“Untitled” Aqua’ba figure, pictured) by American artist Man Ray. Also on display: work by the artist’s contemporaries, as well as music and film from the era.—Kristina Urquhart
Totem poles are illuminated in the Museum of Anthropology at UBC's Great Hall. Photo by KK Law
History buffs head to the University of British Columbia’s stunning Museum of Anthropology. The award-winning, Arthur Erickson-designed building just underwent a $55.5-million facelift; check out expanded exhibit space, a new ceramics gallery and 10,000 objects from around the world in the Multiversity Galleries. Soaring glass walls in the Great Hall (pictured) form a pretty backdrop for totem poles—which you’ll also find on the museum grounds, as well as indigenous plants and grasses.—Kristina Urquhart
Arbutus Tree by Emily Carr. Photo courtesy Heffel Fine Art Auction House
The desire to inspire has moulded Canadian art into something unique and synonymous with life here in the north. The iconic paintings of Emily Carr brought to life the diverse landscape intermixed with Native culture (pictured). Master carver Bill Reid showed us his passion for Haida art with intricate totem poles, sculptures and jewellery. Arthur Erickson pushed architectural design into the future with his contemporary creations, including the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Photographers Fred Herzog and Jeff Wall continue to immortalize life in Vancouver with their powerful photographs. Visual artist and novelist Douglas Coupland is always changing the face of pop culture, and painter Gordon Smith has received the Order of Canada. There must be something in the water here.—Jennifer Patterson
Splurge on a pretty pair of First Nations-inspired spectacles
On the hunt for the perfect Vancouver souvenir? What about a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, adorned with West Coast Native designs, by local artist—and 2010 Winter Games medal designer—Corrine Hunt. Find your ideal pair at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC and the Wickaninnish Gallery.—Jennifer Patterson
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Stay, Dine, Do
