UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ART CENTRE

Robert Wilson: Gould Variations
A series of Video Portraits in celebration of Glenn Gould

11 September to 6 October 2012
Organized by the University of Toronto Art Centre
Produced by Dissident Industries Inc.

Opening Reception: Saturday 22 September 2012 5 – 7 pm


Robert Wilson, South American Horned Frog Video Portrait, 2012, video still. Courtesy of the artist.


This exhibition is the world premiere of Robert Wilson's South American Horned Frog Video Portrait series, specially designed for the University of Toronto Art Centre's galleries. The South American Horned Frog Video Portraits ensemble fuses as one site specific work via a sound score combining river field recordings and frog vocalizations sound-mixed with Canadian pianist Glenn Gould performing his own arrangement of Bach's Goldberg Variations. Wilson's eleven large scale, high definition videos will create an unforgettable, intense and immersive experience, while celebrating the 80th anniversary of Glenn Gould's birth.

Wilson was drawn to create his Video Portraits after becoming aware of recently developed high definition technology which permits an unprecedented level of clarity and detail. As with all Wilson's Video Portraits, the South American Horned Frogs, while occasionally humorous, are highly formal works, carefully orchestrated with close attention to detail: setting, lighting, colour, movement, editing. The sound score is no mere accompaniment, but an integral, and carefully constructed component of the works. What is initially experienced as a random encounter of noises, emerges, on sustained listening, as a double counterpoint: first the counterpoint inherent to the music of Bach, which in turn becomes part of a larger counterpoint pitting the controlled and intricate piano against the sounds of nature (running water, grunts and ribbets). Looped without beginning or end, the portraits, minimal in their movement, become still, but never static meditations on intense awareness.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Dreamers Renegades Visionaries: Glenn Gould Variations, a two-day festival of new work, new interpretations and new collaborations, from Argentina, Britain, Canada, China, Croatia, France, Germany, Japan and USA, inspired by Glenn Gould who would have been 80 in 2012. The festival, which runs Saturday September 22 to Sunday 23, is located at Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto.

Robert Wilson will present a talk, during the Saturday program, elucidating when and why the combination of technology and media can become art.

For more information, including the program schedule and ticket information visit Dreamers Renegades Visionaries: Glenn Gould Variations.

Presenting sponsor: BMO Financial Group

Also supported by Peter Allen; the US Consulate General, Toronto; Centre for the Study of the United States and American Studies Program, Institute of Finance and Governance, Munk School of Global Affairs.

Event Sponsors: à la Carte Kitchen Inc.; Reif Estate Winery


For more information contact: Maureen Smith Business and Programs Coordinator or 416-946-7089.

Location:
University of Toronto Art Centre
15 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7
utac.info@utoronto.ca www.utac.utoronto.ca

Exhibition Hours: Tues to Fri 12-5 | Wednesday 12-8 | Sat 12-4 | FREE Admission