Garry Neill Kennedy

PLATFORM centre for photographic + digital arts is pleased to present Garry Neill Kennedy: Photoworks 1969-2011.

This exhibition was first presented in early 2012 at the Louise and Reuben - Cohen Art Gallery of the Université de Moncton under the directorship of Nisk Imbeault. Kennedy will be speaking in conversation with J.J. Kegan McFadden at PLATFORM on Saturday, March 9th at 3PM. Kennedy will also be giving an Artist Talk at the University of Manitoba on Monday, March 4th at 11:30AM in ARTlab room 136.

A major contributor to conceptual art, Garry Neill Kennedy's artistic career spans over forty years and his work is recognized across Canada and abroad. As head of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design for more than 23 years, he revolutionized the way art was taught there, while positioning Atlantic Canada at the heart of the conceptual art movement. This is not only the first exhibition of Kennedy's work to focus on his photographic output, but it also aims to foster a better understanding of the work of the artist as a whole, and his contribution to the evolution of contemporary art in Canada and in the Atlantic Region.

From Garry Neill Kennedy (Bisected) made in 1969 to Spotted, in 2009, images from photographic sources have been an integral part of Kennedy's production. This body of work is brought together in an exhibition that underscores the specifics of this practice. PLATFORM is also very excited to be co-producer with The Louise and Reuben - Cohen Art Gallery of a bilingual publication that accompanies the exhibition. The publication will be available at the opening reception.

The opening reception, artist talk, and conversation are all free. All are welcome to attend.

Garry Neill Kennedy lives and works in Halifax. A major contributor to conceptual art, Kennedy’s artistic career spans over forty years and his work is recognized across Canada and abroad. As head of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design for more than 23 years, he revolutionized the way art was taught there while positioning Atlantic Canada at the heart of the conceptual art movement. Having exhibited widely through the years, his work was featured in a major retrospective at the National Gallery in 2000. In 2003, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada and awarded the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts through the Canada Council in 2004.