Cheyenne Rouleau in Fat Joke. | Photo by Baevocative, courtesy of Anvil Theatre
* * *
Pacific Agriculture Show
Jan. 23–25
The Pacific Agriculture Show will showcase the latest and most innovative equipment and technology available for use in the agriculture industry. Join thousands of farmers and agri-food producers in comparing and investigating what over 300 exhibitors offer to enhance food production. BC’s agriculture industry is unique in its diversity and the show attracts an attendance from all the livestock and horticulture sectors including: dairy, cattle, poultry, equine, hogs, llamas, alpacas, to vegetable, berry, grape, bulb, ornamentals, hothouse, flower and shrub growing and more.
* * *
Cornerstone of the Nation: The Defense Industry and the Building of Modern Korea under Park Chung Hee
Jan. 24, 3:30–5 pm
www.sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/defense-industry-and-modern-korea
South Korean weapons, now known globally as “K-defense,” including K9 self-propelled howitzers and K2 main battle tanks, are being sold worldwide. How did a nation that, as recently as the early 1970s, was entirely dependent on US military imports and unable to produce even basic guns and ammunition, so rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading arms exporters while simultaneously transforming into an economic and technological powerhouse ? In his newly released book, University of Albany professor Peter Kwon examines the origins and rapid development of South Korea’s defense industry under Park Chung Hee’s regime (1961–1979) and its broad impact on the nation’s economic, technological, social, political and diplomatic transformation . In this talk, Kwon elucidates the intricate processes by which the state mobilized business, science, labor and citizenship, forging complex coalitions across public-private, military-civilian, security-technology and state-society sectors to drive simultaneous militarization and rapid industrialization. Kwon will also discuss the broader implications of the book’s findings for South Korea’s ongoing economic and security discourse.
* * *
Seriously? Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art 1970s–Now
Jan. 25–May 18
www.griffinartprojects.ca/exhibitions/seriously-comedy-and-comics
Comedy and cartoon are not words that readily come to mind when thinking of contemporary art in Canada. Since the 60s, taut conceptualism and postmodern critique are more characteristic associations, and took form experimentally whether through new media, mail art and performance. This is the genre that brought artists from Vancouver to Halifax to international prominence. Taking an alternate tack, this exhibit looks across the country and two generations of artists to develop a cross-sectional survey of work grounded in graphic (figural) narrative and its frequent companion, political satire. While artists such as Judy Chartrand, Maxwell Bates and Anna Banana offer sharp commentary on mainstream culture and identity politics, others, such as Shuvinai Ashoona, Victor Cicansky and Maud Lewis delight in the rhythms of lives spent close to nature and their communities. Featuring works by nearly 20 artists drawn primarily from private collections, the exhibition disregards the usual separations that persist along regional lines and traditional versus experimental approaches. Instead, this exhibit reveals connections between the folksy Victoria school, Vancouver’s edgy Intermedia scene, Halifax conceptualism, Regina funk and First Nations artists’ embrace of manga and comics.
* * *
Rajni Perera: Futures
Jan. 25–March 16
www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/surrey-art-gallery/exhibitions/rajni-perera-futures
Through painting, sculpture and photography, artist Rajni Perera expresses her vision of imagined futures in which mutated subjects adapt to exist in dystopian realms through strength and resilience. Her work responds to existential threats with creativity and invention, offering a vision charged with humor and sharp critique, hope and dread. Looking to the past and to the future, and endowed with a powerful imagination, Perera is singularly equipped to express the increasingly chaotic, often frightening and sometimes hopeful world in which we find ourselves today. Futures includes nearly 30 works from various stages of the artist’s career. Through the manifestation of various mediums from functional sculptures to intricate paintings, Perera looks ahead to uncertain times threatened by climate change and looming social inequities. Her future goddesses and inventive armors prevail over dystopic realms, mutating to adapt to challenging environments.
* * *
Street Scene
Jan. 30–Feb. 2
www.chancentre.com/events/ubc-opera-street-scene
Kurt Weill’s Street Scene is a captivating two-act “American Broadway Opera” that masterfully combines operatic arias, show tunes, jazz and blues. Set over two sweltering summer days, it portrays the intense emotions and struggles of a multi-ethnic, working-class community in New York City. The story focuses on Anna Maurrant, trapped in a violent marriage, and her affair with Steve Sankey, sparking neighborhood gossip. Meanwhile, her daughter Rose navigates her own romantic and social challenges. With its rich musical variety and emotionally charged narrative, Street Scene offers an unforgettable glimpse into the dreams, tensions and hopes of its characters.
* * *
Heathers: The Musical
Jan. 30–Feb. 16
www.langara.ca/studio-58/current-season/current-2024-heathers-the-musical.html
You thought your high school was bad? At Westerberg High, a trio of popular girls named Heather mercilessly rule the school. Everything changes when underdog Veronica meets bad boy JD, a new student with a violent streak. As the Heathers take Veronica under their wing, JD encourages her to blow up the social hierarchy. This hilarious and homicidal dark comedy will leave you craving a slushie. For tickets and more information, check out Langara’s Studio 58 webpage.
* * *
Fat Joke
Jan. 31–Feb. 2
www.anviltheatre.ca/event/fat-joke
A fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling and unapologetic fact-blasting, Fat Joke thrusts fatphobia into the spotlight. Creator and performer Cheyenne Rouleau surgically dissects this rarely-discussed subject with a razor-sharp wit that leaves the audience confronting their assumptions. Brace yourself for a social commentary that challenges conventions, sparks crucial conversations and keeps you laughing in the process. For tickets and more information, check out the Anvil Theatre’s website.
* * *
Modernism in China’s Socialist Period: Art Interactions with Mexico and the Eastern Bloc
Feb. 1, 2 pm
www.events.sfu.ca/event/42998-modernism-in-chinas-socialist-period-art
Join Shengtian Zheng, renowned scholar, curator and former adjunct director of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s Institute of Asian Art (now the Center for Global Asias), and Keith Wallace, curator and editor-in-chief of Yishu: Journal of Contemporary Chinese Art , for a compelling conversation about art, modernism and foreign exchange during China’s socialist period. Their discussion will be followed by a book signing and reception. Drawing from Zheng’s first-hand experience as a witness and participant in the development of Chinese art since the 1950s, this talk will delve into the dynamic cultural exchanges between Chinese artists and their counterparts from the Eastern Bloc and Latin America between the 1950s and 1970s. The discussion will highlight how these interactions shaped the evolution of modern and contemporary Chinese art, while also examining the complex ways in which global modernism engaged with Western artistic movements.
* * *
Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist
Feb. 1, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026
www.billreidgallery.ca/blogs/exhibitions-page/kihl-yahda-christian-white-master-haida-artist
This exhibition is the first major solo exhibition of Haida artist Kihl ‘Yahda, Christian White. Guest curated by Sdahl Ḵ ‘awaas, Lucy Bell, also of the Haida Nation, the exhibition features artworks that span the entirety of Christian’s 50-year career, as well as collaborative works from several of his apprentices. Christian White is of the Yahgulaanas Haida Raven Clan. Influenced by his father Chief Edensu, Morris White, Christian and his family have been major forces in keeping the Haida culture, art and language alive. He is best known for his intricate argillite carvings and inlay work and monumental works. Christian also creates wood carved masks and boxes, gold and silver jewelry, and steamed cedar canoes. He began carving argillite at fourteen and has been working as a full-time artist since the age of seventeen. In 2005, Christian constructed a traditional longhouse in his home village of Old Massett which is the home of Tluu Xaada Naay Society and dance group. There will be an exhibition opening on Feb. 1: enjoy an unforgettable afternoon with delicious food, beverages, dance performances and the chance to meet the artist in person.
* * *
Hold On Let Go 2025
Feb. 4–8
This year at Hold On Let Go, they will be presenting seven deviceful, experimental performances, by artists whose practices bound outside of convention – asking audiences to take new looks at long-time subjects and conversations. The forms are starting and call attention to these narratives in intimate and revealing ways: saying difficult things we can’t speak directly through a sweet and delicious gift; unfolding layers of loss brought on by the pressures of constant progress; the power of transforming legacy in present day action; and talking with teens about three things we’re not supposed to talk about with our kids: sex, drugs and crime. This year’s program also shares family rituals, cultural customs and secrets.
