Bookmarks in Time
February 16th, 2024, to March 16th, 2024
TONI ONLEY gallery and project room gallery
Article Written by Paul Crawford
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Since the moment I first developed an active interest in art, I've understood and believed that each piece transcends being a mere object; it holds a narrative, serving as a tangible reflection of our shared social history. Every artwork acts as a diary entry, documenting a moment in the artist's personal journey shaped by life experiences, relationships, surroundings, beliefs, and their interconnectedness with the wider world.
From the enigmatic prehistoric cave paintings of Europe and Australia to the recent emergence of non-fungible tokens and immersive art experiences, the creations of each generation's artists stand as a record reflecting the values, interests, and tastes of their respective societies. Art encapsulates the spirit of its time, expressing thoughts, emotions, and values unique to a particular era and culture. It emerges as a distinctive character, echoing the narratives and nuances of the societies that produce it. The profound link between the object and the narratives it conveys ensures that each piece serves as a unique bookmark in time, encapsulating the essence of the era in which it was crafted. In this way, art transforms into a unique and invaluable social record of the broader human experience, imprinting the distinct essence of each era onto the canvas of history.
The arts function as a vital cultural barometer, offering future generations invaluable insights into the sophistication levels within a society. Throughout history, cultural artifacts, notably art, have played a pivotal role in understanding the achievements of civilizations. Each piece communicates essential messages about the time, place, and context of its creation. As a potent communicator, art shapes daily life, conveys social statements, and provides pleasure through aesthetic beauty. In essence, art stands as a multifaceted force that not only reflects and enhances but also effectively communicates the intricate nuances of the human experience.
Established in 1972, the Penticton Art Gallery's Permanent Collection has expanded and grown over the years through a combination of donations and occasional purchases. Encompassing paintings, sculptures, drawings, printmaking, ceramics, and photography, the collection stands as a powerful testament to the prevailing issues shaping our times. Collections like that of the Penticton Art Gallery inspire us to recognize art as integral to the human experience, shaping collective memory and influencing public discourse. By transforming art into a powerful lens for exploring and understanding the intricacies of our world, the aim for the gallery's collection is to serve as a dynamic catalyst, sparking conversations and igniting ideas through the unique storytelling capacity of art. Ultimately, the goal of any collection is to function as a mirror, reflecting our collective selves and providing a vivid visual chronicle of our shared history. In doing so, it captures the inherent social issues, concerns, and values of our community.
Over the past few years, we've acknowledged the power dynamics inherent in artistic representation and reflected on how institutions, including ours, shape and build their collections. Considering how audiences will interpret our art history as a consequence of our actions, we are actively working to enhance the gallery's holdings by adding works from previously underrepresented communities and marginalized artists. This effort aims to create a more balanced social narrative that better aligns and reflects our mandate and vision.
We envision our collection not merely as an assemblage of artworks but as a vital resource that educates and inspires the creative process while fostering profound dialogues across generations. It stands as a dynamic reflection of our collective history and global issues, harnessing the transformative power of art. Guided by a more inclusive approach in our collecting, our aim is to amplify the hidden stories of women, minorities, and previously marginalized communities. Through these dedicated efforts, the gallery aspires to play a pivotal role in shifting historical perspectives, reshaping dialogues on how individuals perceive themselves, and how, as a community, we acknowledge and understand our shared past.
For over half a century, the unwavering support from our community has played a crucial role, not only in shaping the growth and significance of our collection but also in ensuring that the gallery stands as a vibrant and vital cultural hub. The ultimate value of the Penticton Art Gallery's collection lies in the sum of its parts, weaving a narrative that reflects our cultural heritage, social history, and our shared lived experience. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who have generously contributed to our collection over the years, helping shape this into a meaningful and vital community resource. Recognizing that a collection is a dynamic living entity, we are dedicated to evolving and growing to more authentically mirror our past and effectively represent our present.
As an organization, we are committed to further enhancing and developing our collection, ensuring it remains a reflection of our shared values and heritage. If you share our vision and wish to support the gallery in these ongoing efforts, whether through the donation of artwork or by contributing funds to assist with the acquisition of works that help fill gaps in our collection, please contact us. Let's engage in a conversation about how your support can contribute to the continued growth and enrichment of our collection, ensuring its significance for the community and future generations.
Thanks again to all those who have generously donated works to the collection over the years. We look forward to sharing more of these invaluable pieces with the community as part of our regular exhibit program. Your contributions have played a vital role in enriching our cultural offerings and fostering a deeper connection between the gallery and the community.
