The Banff CentreThe Walter Phillips Gallery at The Banff Centre

Past Exhibitions

2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 1995 - 2000


billy in a duststorm_0.jpg

Billy in a duststorm, c.1935. after Arthur Rothstein


Billy.jpg

Cliff Eyland
Billy
, 1998


Cowboy Luke.jpg

Cowboy Luke, from the film
New Horizons
, c.1945
Saskatchewan Archives Board

Billy's Vision

A Project by: Andrew Hunter

Billy's Vision is 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 on his research trips to the Canadian Prairies and western Untied 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 also includes 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.

 

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