A local art collector has loaned significant art works by 1980s Vancouver artists to Elevate The Arts for exhibition during the festival.
The work will be shown Thursday through Saturday at 324 Fifth Street, formerly home of Inner Sanctum Books and Comics.
This will be the first time these pieces have been shown, in public, as a collection.
The works were collected several decades ago when most of the artists were young and just beginning to establish their careers, many went on to attain cult-like status and success.
“An exciting art scene emerged in Vancouver during the ‘80s, the epicentre being Gastown and the Eastside with its abundance of artist run galleries and studio spaces,” said curator Ocean Varney. “These are select works from a larger collection that connect through geography, vibe, and that magical era – the ’80s.”
The show, described by the collector as having a “post-pop neo punk surrealist sensibility,” includes the controversial ManWoman, multi-media artist Davide Pan, father and son surrealists Ladislav and Martin Guderna, Comox Valley Arts Alliance founders Jed Irwin and Ken Gerberick, graffiti artists 12 Midnite and Lincoln Clarkes, local artists Ed Varney and Greg Zbitnew, the gifted Jan Wade and Dave Ostrem.
A total of 30 artists are represented.
“Elevate The Arts has created an inspiring space for art and culture in the Comox Valley and we’re excited to be a part of it!” said Varney.