Everywhere We Are is an ambitious exhibition and public program series addressing many of the challenges, merits, impacts and advantages associated with art collecting. Drawing upon one of Canada’s most significant contemporary art collections, the exhibition is organized and presented as a collaboration between Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary and Contemporary Calgary.

Everywhere We Are explores boundaries in art. If a boundary can be thought of as a line that separates, who then sets the boundary? Are there rules? How are they negotiated? Applied? When referring to personal relationships, boundaries are further complicated. But what are the implications for art, when artwork itself is viewed as the boundary?

This consideration of boundaries led to a fundamental questioning about collecting with respect to issues from ownership and art markets to sacredness and physiological affect. Through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, panels and more, Everywhere We Are poses a range questions including how and where art is shown and distributed; how neuroscience is changing our understanding of art; and how collecting is part of a complex ecosystem of relationships with curators, public collections, artists, commercial galleries and other collectors.

Everywhere We Are, ultimately, is intended to express that boundaries are often mutable, flexible and even artificial, and that art is owned by the person who sees it. It the end, the act of viewing itself, however fleeting, creates ownership that is valid, unique and rich in personal meaning.

This program is co-organized by Contemporary Calgary and Nickle Galleries featuring significant works by Vikky Alexander, Chris Cran, Geoffrey Farmer, Wyn Geleynse, Liz Magor, Luanne Martineau, Chris Millar, Ron Moppett, Ron Terada, among many more who have helped shape contemporary art in Canada over the past five decades.

Opening reception January 30 5:30 – 9:00 pm (remarks at 6:00 pm; Panel discussion at 7:00 pm).

Everywhere We Are – Part I – Nickle Galleries, January 30 – May 29, 2020

Everywhere We Are – Part II – Contemporary Calgary, September 17 – November 19, 2020