Two art exhibits relive the culture of the 80s in Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Friday, 18 May 2012 17:47

The 1980s was an interesting time in history where fashion was over-the-top and people scrambled for the latest gadgets as technology started to boom. Travellers who look back fondly on this time can check out a couple of art exhibits in Canada's capital that pay homage to the decade through visual creativity and talent.

The Wurm Gallery is located at the Invisible Cinema in "a space inside the store," according to a tweet from the video rental facility. Works by Vancouver native Brendan De Montigny will be on display from May 18 to June 18. The exhibit, called Recording Device, will feature some of De Montigny's latest pieces that are a nod to his childhood, reports the Ottawa Xpress. By using old memorabilia and toys, he creates mixed media art that vaguely resembles pop icons of the areas, including characters like Darth Vader, Hulk Hogan, Mr. Potato Head and Stretch Armstrong.

"It’s based in consumerism - something that starts at birth, culturally, for us – and I wanted to speak about that," said De Montigny, as quoted by the news source. "I think there is a fear that results, particularly as adults, when we have that existential crisis; when we work out that the cultural value that we place on these objects, and the cultural fantasy, never really comes to fruition."

Another take on the 1980s through the medium of film will be presented at the City Hall Art Gallery from May 11 to July 1 that travellers can see during their tours of Ottawa. The display will honour the SAW Video organization, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011. SAW Video is eastern Ontario's largest media arts production centre, providing an outlet for affordable equipment and professional support that local filmmakers and artists can use for their projects.

Featuring four separate videos that were originally produced between 1983 and 1985, this presentation gives guests a rare look at previously archived short films that were released on a public access show called "Videosync." The exhibit, called Tape Heads: Video Art and Technology in the 1980s, has pieces on display by several artists involved in SAW Video, including one of the founders Chris Mullington. The films can be seen during the gallery's regular business hours in the day and is free for the general public.

All generations can enjoy the art found at these two venues in Canada's capital on their next holiday to this vibrant and art-friendly city.