A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

It may be a cliché but A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, curated by Curatorial Intern Frances Gail, consists of more than three dozen artworks inspired by the written word, drawing from richly varied literary, poetic, and mythological traditions. 

It continues until July 29. 

Chosen largely from the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s 20th century collection, they include examples of painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, contemporary studio ceramics, and decorative art. 

“Artists have long been inspired by great works of fiction or poetry, bringing them to life through paint or stone,” says WAG Chief Curator Helen Delacretaz. 

Included in the exhibition are two ink drawings by Bertram Brooker, inspired by the writings of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. Also on view is Métis artist Rosalie Favell’s captivating photograph entitled I awoke to find my spirit had returned (1999), reimagining an episode from The Wizard of Oz. 

Engaging, large scale contemporary ceramic work by Akio Takamori, Maurice Savoie, and Jordon Van Sewell refer to mythological legends from ancient Greece, Rome, and China. 

Aboriginal myths and legends are invoked by the work of Norval Morisseau, Jackson Beardy, Abraham Anghik Ruben and Kiugak Ashoona.