Philosophical Archeology Space 2009–2019

Ido Govrin

June 27 – July 26, 2019
Opening reception: Thursday, June 27, 5:00-7:00p.m.

Ido Gorvin, Philosophical Archeology Space 2009–2019. Image courtesy of the artist.

Philosophical Archeology Space 2009–2019 presents the culmination of the artist’s decade-long research on philosophical archeology—a methodology that embodies one’s relation to history and historiographic research.

Carried out as an artistic modus operandi, Govrin’s project examines the archive and the index through a large-scale interdisciplinary installation divided into two parts.

The archive, containing Govrin’s work from the previous decade is not fully accessible. A perforated metal door blocks physical entry to the space so that one can merely view and listen to what’s inside: some of the works are boxed, some are fully exhibited, and others somewhere in between. The index comprises a series of photo-litho prints on Japanese Washi paper sheets. Incorporating collage work, sound, and ephemera, these works form constellations rendered and conceived by archeological art-making.

About the artist:
Ido Govrin (b. 1976, Jerusalem) is a multidisciplinary artist. He holds a BA in philosophy from Tel-Aviv University, an MFA from the University of Toronto and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Visual Arts at Western University. Philosophical Archeology Space 2009–2019 is his thesis exhibition.

Selections from the Peter Lamb Becher Collection

Curated by James Patten
June 27 – July 26, 2019
Opening reception: Thursday, June 27, 5:00-7:00p.m.

James Hamilton (Canadian, 1810-1896), Thornwood with Cattle on Becher’s Island in Foreground. c. 1860. McIntosh Gallery Collection, Gift of Peter Lamb Becher, 2018.

McIntosh Gallery is delighted to present a selection of works from the Peter Lamb Becher Collection, which was donated to the gallery in 2018. The collection was started in the mid-19th century after the Bechers moved to London, Ontario in the 1830s. One of the original founding families, the Bechers were prominent in law, medicine, politics and the social life of the city.

Their house, Thornwood, at 329 St. George Street, was built in 1852. Several of the works in this exhibition were originally displayed at Thornwood, which is also the subject of two exquisite paintings from the 1860s by London artist and family friend James Hamilton.

Thornwood is a rare example of a 19th century estate house, designed in the contemporary Gothic Revival style. The picturesque approach, employed in the plan for Thornwood, proposed that buildings be deliberately placed in a natural and organic relationship to the untamed terrain. Looking down towards London, in close proximity to the edge of the bank of what was once the river, and what is now Gibbons Park, Thornwood offers impressive views and vistas to and from the property.

Thornwood was built by Henry C. R. Becher, a prominent lawyer and politician. He arrived in Canada from England in 1835. Thornwood received many distinguished guests over the years, including: Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Robert Borden, Prince Edward the VII (the Prince of Wales), and Winston Churchill.

In addition to the historic works of art from Thornwood, the collection comprises other paintings, mainly by London artists, acquired after 1970 by Peter Becher.

The Becher collection provides a rare and intimate opportunity to see some of the earliest works depicting London within the context of a unique family collection developed over 180 years. Thanks to the vision, foresight and generosity of Peter Becher, this remarkable gift is now in the public domain at Western University along with the Becher Fonds held by Western Archives.

For more information about McIntosh Gallery and these exhibitions, contact Abby Vincent, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, avince5@uwo.ca, (519)-661-2111 ext. 87576.

Free admission to all exhibitions
Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM

McIntosh Gallery
1151 Richmond Street N.
London, ON, N6A 3K7
McIntoshGallery.ca
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