Is There a Picture | Harry Killas + Ric Beairsto
A new film produced and directed by alum Ric Beairsto and associate professor Harry Killas on the "Vancouver School" of photo-conceptualists.
World Premiere | Friday, January 11 at 7:30
"I had the feeling that photography could live on a wall in a space with people standing in front of it physically the way that painting has for centuries..." Jeff Wall
The "Vancouver School" of photo-conceptualists emerged in the 1960s and 70s and went on to change the very idea of what photography could be, though like all self-respecting art schools, it's not a designation any of the artists cares for; there was no mission, no mandate, but an explosion of creative energy which for some reason came into sharp focus in a small, rapidly evolving city on the west coast.
ECU alum Ric Beairsto and associate professor Harry Killas directed the film, which tracks the origins and inspirations of five artists in particular, Marian Penner Bancroft, Christos Dikeakos, Rodney Graham, Jeff Wall, and Ian Wallace, in many cases going back to explore how key works were created in situ, with insights from critics and curators and the artists themselves.
IS THERE A PICTURE is produced and directed by Ric Beairsto and Harry Killas, edited by Rafi Spivak, and with music composed by Dennis Burke. Vancity Theatre will be screening the film daily from January 11 to January 17. Watch the trailer below: