I don’t usually write about art. In fact I never write about art, because I know so little about it, and chances are I will just wind up looking stupid. But I’m going to take that chance today because I just saw the Doug Coupland exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and it is fantastic.
So that I don’t wind up sounding stupid, which is possibly inevitable, I’m going to mostly show images from the show (taking photos is encouraged). I loved how he managed to give us a true glimpse into his mind, in a very entertaining and also moving fashion. To be honest I had no idea just how much artwork this man has generated, along with his many books – I don’t know how he’s managed to achieve so much at this stage of his life! I highly recommend the show if you’re in Vancouver over the summer. Make sure to pick up the iPod for the audio guide – it’s terrific particularly because you’re hearing about a lot of the exhibits in Doug’s own words.
I fell in love with Coupland like so many of us did when I read “Generation X,” back when I was in my early 20’s. And now I have a new-found admiration for Mr. Coupland after seeing this show. I think I’m probably glad I don’t have his brain (because you get to see the contents of his, and it’s kind of overwhelming) but I’m delighted he’s being feted as a true Canadian Icon.
These images were particularly powerful. Viewed with the naked eye, it’s a bunch of dots. Viewed through your iPhone, it’s images of jumpers on 9-11.
Husband puts gum on the replica of Doug Coupland’s head. It’s called, appropriately, “Gum Head.”
Great post. I’m going through a few of these issues as well..