Ruby Arnga’naaq, Jack Butler, Sheila Butler, Myra Kukiiyaut, Patrick Mahon, + William Noah

Exhibition

13 February - 4 April 2009

Opening Reception

13 February, Friday 7 - 10 PM

Panel Discussion

14 February, Saturday 3PM

PLATFORM centre for photographic + digital arts is pleased to present the group exhibition, Art and Cold Cash, featuring the work of: Ruby Arngna’naaq, Jack Butler, Sheila Butler, Myra Kukiiyaut, Patrick Mahon, and William Noah. A critical exploration of the introduction of capitalism into Northern economies, Art and Cold Cash considers the connection of contemporary art to discourses surrounding money in a series of artistic activities and experiments. Exhibition audiences will be able to consider these topics and how they are navigated through artwork in a variety of media, including: drawing, painting, installation, audio, and video.

As part of its commitment to critical discourse,  PLATFORM has commissioned local curator Jenny Western to write an interpretive essay to accompany this exhibition.

“Though not operating dogmatically on the subject, the artwork of “Art and Cold Cash” attends to an important dialogue surrounding the current state of art in the north. While many of the pieces deal with the exchange of personal stories from community members in Baker Lake regarding art and economy, perhaps the exhibition begs the question –  in an age of global communication which allows for conversations to occur between northern and southern art practices, has information now become our most desirable luxury item? ” - J. Western

Please join us for the opening reception Friday, the 13 of February beginning at 7PM. Refreshments will be served.

In association with Art and Cold Cash, Video Pool Media Arts Centre presents the work of ARNAIT VIDEO PRODUCTIONS [Igloolik]. All are welcome to a free public screening of video work by this collective of women producers of the north, 4 April 2009, Saturday at 2PM [Cinematheque]; discussion to follow.

For more information, please contact the Centre directly: PLATFORM | 121-100 Arthur Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba | R3B 1H3 | 204.942.8183 | www.platformgallery.org

PLATFORM wishes to thank Manitoba Arts Council, Winnipeg Arts Council, and The Winnipeg Foundation for their continued support, as well as the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this project. The Centre would also like to acknowledge the support from its membership, volunteers, and network of artist-run enthusiasts (you know who you are!).

The Art and Cold Cash collective wishes to acknowledge the support received from the following institutions: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, University of Western Ontario, The Hamlet of Baker Lake, Nunavut, The Jessie Oonark Centre, and Heli-Max Helicopter Company and Cumberland Resources, and Calm Air.