 MEDIA RELEASE |
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MEDIA RELEASE |
For Immediate Release
October 1, 2001
Exhibition explores tale of mysterious drifter
(Banff, Alberta) - The Banff Centre’s Walter Phillips Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of Billy’s Vision, an innovative exhibition by artist/curator Andrew Hunter that utilizes drawing, painting, and installation. Essentially a fictional narrative merging art and curatorial practice, popular culture, music, and literature, the exhibition tells the tale of a mysterious drifter who first appeared in the 1930s near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Known only as Billy to the few people who had contact with him, he was distinguished by his unusual physical appearance, style of dress, and his abilities as a visionary.
Andrew Hunter "discovered" Billy in his grandfather’s Thomas Allen Hunter field notes, compiled while on research trips to the Canadian prairies and western United States during the Depression and war years. With Billy’s Vision, Hunter has sought to complete his grandfather’s research and to bring the unique story of this "strange fellow" to public attention.
The installation explores Billy’s early years in Saskatchewan and includes such objects as his suit, musical instruments, samples of his "art," and T. A. Hunter’s research material. Selected works from the collection of the Mendel Art Gallery and private collections by artists such as Lawren Harris, Illingworth Kerr, William Kurlek, and Lionel Fitzgerald depicting the Saskatoon area in the 1930s, as well as archival images and film footage, will be presented to provide viewers with a sense of the area during Billy’s presence. The installation will also include images of Billy by Winnipeg photographer William Eakin. The exhibition catalogue includes a CD by Winnipeg DJ mcenroe (AKA Roddy Rod). Billy’s Vision is organized and circulated by the Mendel Art Gallery.
A public opening reception will be held in the Walter Phillips Gallery on Friday, October 12th at 7:00 pm.
Andrew Hunter will give a walk-through tour of the exhibition on Saturday, October 13th at 2:00 pm.
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The Banff Centre is Canada's only post-secondary institution dedicated to the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. Programs are designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre's unique mountain environment and multidisciplinary setting reflect a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.
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