Uncommon Language

Within European and North American art history, expressions of abstract art—from the early to the mid-20th century—have often been linked to a utopian desire for a universal aesthetic language. Uncommon Language responds to the Eurocentric promise—and presumption—of a single overarching artistic language, through the presentation of artworks that evoke, embrace, complicate and counter the idea of a common vernacular. Loosely grouped into interconnected thematic sections, the works in Uncommon Language employ a range of aesthetic idioms that draw from traditions of abstraction, spirituality and literature, as well as ideas around selfhood and the body.

Featured artists include Josef Albers, Sonny Assu, Vija Celmins, Allyson Clay, Andrew Dadson, Beau Dick, General Idea, Jean Goguen, Betty Goodwin, Angela Grauerholz, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Allison Hrabluik, Robert Indiana, Karin Jones, Mary Kelly, Ann Kipling, Zoe Kreye, Lui Shou Kwan, Ken Lum, Agnes Martin, Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, Françoise Sullivan, Takao Tanabe, Cy Twombly, Rachel Whiteread, Joyce Wieland, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun and Zhu Jinshi.

ACCESSIBILITY

An audio described tour of Uncommon Language was designed to make the exhibition more accessible to those who are blind or live with vision loss. This tour can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to anyone’s visit to the Gallery.

Your feedback is important to us. Once you have completed this tour, please feel free to contact Adult Public Programs Coordinator Stephanie Bokenfohr by email at sbokenfohr@vanartgallery.bc.ca or by phone at 604 662 4700 with any comments you may have.