|
The Group of Seven's New Clothes. The Fashion of Art
Gala drafts designers, Beker and Yuri Dojc to help out
Back in the early
70s, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute was Canada's incubator for the
practical arts. Journalism, Radio. Television. Layout. Design. Fashion.
Theatre. And, most importantly, Photography.
And while each discipline
was taught in a different silo at the downtown Toronto campus, there was
convergence at one place - The weekly Eyeopener newspaper. I was self proclaimed poetry
editor. Christie Blatchford, Rosie DiManno, Paul Patterson, Dawna Lee
Aprile and a host of others wrote amazing news busting feature stories.
It was the student paper in the country and it was the supreme social moment for the volunteer
writers, designers, illustrations and photographers of Rye High.
I can't remember anything I
wrote, but I do remember the photographs. They were outstanding. Cutting
edge. No more so than what came
from the camera of Yuri Dojc.
He was our photo editor when I was at the Eyeopener. Aside from trying to
talk us all into posing in the nude, he didn't speak much English then, so, he
made his camera do his talking for him. His covers were works of art,
clipped out and taped to the inside of lockers that lined the halls of the
Quad.
I haven't seem him in a
long long time. The gallery at the end of my street that carried his
art has closed. My Dojc cover clips have faded and curled but still have a
treasured spot in my Ryerson trunk. He is still making great art. Yes, and some
of that art involves nudes.
D’Arcy Moses sketch for Gal |
I was a little surprised
when I volunteered to help with the promotion of a June 16th gala for the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection to find out that Yuri has supplied images for
the self-billed Spiritual Home Group of Seven. Well it turns out that the Fashion as Art:
Exposed! is a coming out fundraising Gala for the McMichael, and Yuri's
photograph is gracing the evening's printed programme. It is a new era in
Kleinburg, and Dojc photography, pictured above is leading the charge.
Fashion
as Art: Exposed! celebrates the fusion of art and fashion with some of
Canada’s leading fashion designers, artists and celebrities, including a
private viewing of the cutting edge Fashionality: Dress and Identity in
Contemporary Canadian Art exhibition with noted curator and fashion theorist, Julia
Pine.
The event is proudly being hosted by
internationally renowned fashion personality Jeanne
Beker. This unique evening provides
guests the perfect combination of thought-provoking art and unique Canadian fashion. “I
am thrilled to participate and support this incredible celebration of two of my
greatest passions, fashion and art. Innovative fashion trends and art
techniques have, and will continue to evolve over the years, however, both
mediums are timeless with respect to their influence and impact reflected and
presented in every culture worldwide. This unique collaboration of exceptional
Canadian talent is an Avant Garde symbiosis that will portray fashion as art in
an entirely new perspective to contemplate and enjoy,” says Beker. Fashionistas,
recognized industry crème de la crème, and art lovers alike will be treated to
a glamorous, red carpet evening filled with innovative design, gourmet cuisine
and fabulous music.
The “Group of Seven Fashion Designers” for the evening are; Joeffer Caoc,
Comrags, Greta Constantine, David Dixon, Thien Le, Lucian Matis, and D’Arcy
Moses.Two of Moses' sketches are printed above.
Art will prevail through every detail
of the evening, including provocative décor, cuisine by Via Allegro and
entertainment from DJ Bellosound and Dr. Draw, and a live body-painting art
performance by Toronto artist, JessGo.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the unveiling of these incomparable, art-inspired, designer creations. Media interested in covering this one-of-a-kind event should contact me asap at stephen@stephenweir.com or at 416-489-5868.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the unveiling of these incomparable, art-inspired, designer creations. Media interested in covering this one-of-a-kind event should contact me asap at stephen@stephenweir.com or at 416-489-5868.