Modern in the Making
Vancouver Art GalleryExhibition Design
Publication Design
in collaboration with Oliver Tomas
2020
In the three decades following WWII, thousands of people moved to British Columbia seeking the benefits of its resource-based economy, mild climate, natural amenities and inventive spirit. In this optimistic post-war environment, unique aspects of culture began to develop throughout the province. While histories of BC modern art and architecture have been investigated through exhibitions and publications over the last several decades, the equally proliferous postwar craft and design activities that also reflect many of the modern characteristics of the visual arts, remain largely undocumented. This exhibition aims to identify the most significant and unique examples of BC furniture, jewelry, fashion, ceramics and textiles produced between 1945 and the 1970s and articulate how and why these emerged in British Columbia during that time.
–Curatorial Introduction, Vancouver Art Gallery