Scott Conarroe, Prairie Tracks, Saskatchewan, 2008. ©Scott Conarroe, courtesy Stephen Bulger Gallery.
September 10 – November 6, 2011
Opening: Sunday, September 11, 2 – 4 p.m
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham
216 Main Street
Unionville – Markham ON L3R 2H1
T: 905-477-9511
www.varleygallery.ca
Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sun. 11am – 4pm,
Thurs. 11am – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 5pm
Organized and circulated by the Art Gallery of Windsor
Curated by James Patten
In 2007 Scott Conarroe embarked on a journey across North America to photograph railway infrastructure. His pictures of this sprawling socio-geographical network are a remarkable testament to its past glory and future potential. In these large arresting photographs, railway tracks unify urban and rural environments. Largely empty of trains or people, these contemplative, elegiac photographs evoke a range of responses to what is arguably the defining technology of the modern nation state.
Scott is the recent winner of the Duke and Duchess of York Prize in Photography for 2011. The prize was endowed by the Government of Canada in 1986 on the occasion of Prince Andrew’s marriage and is awarded annually to a professional Canadian artist for personal creative work. The winner is chosen from among the recipients of arts grants in the Canada Council’s annual competitions for professional photographers.
Curator Tour of Scott Conarroe: By Rail
Sunday 16 October at 2pm
Visiting from the McIntosh Gallery in London, Ontario, join curator James Patten for a special, one-time discussion on this touring exhibition. Come explore the artwork of Scott Conarroe; consider the role and history of the railways and discuss issues in contemporary photography.
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is supported by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, the Town of Markham, the Ontario Arts Council, the Department of Canadian Heritage, memberships, and private donations.
Admission: Adults $5.00 | Seniors and students $4.00 | Youth (6-11) $3.00 | Children (under 6) free | Family (up to 2 adults and 4 children/youth) $12.00 | Gallery members free | Reciprocal members free (plus *HST).
