Behind Closed Doors

The latest exhibit from the WAG’s New Contemporary series reveals what is rarely seen by the public—the artist’s process in their studio and their research from the museum vault. Often viewers only witness the complete ‘finished work’ in art exhibitions. Behind Closed Doors shares some of the research, experimentation, and the trajectory of a body of work in progress: how an idea is developed and how it evolves. In many ways, the studio is the laboratory and the vault a place of study. There is a sense of enchantment visiting artists in their spaces and connecting the ways ideas are expressed in different forms. This experience is yours to discover in Behind Closed Doors. The exhibition brings together work from artists based in Winnipeg or with Winnipeg roots. Artists Ian August and Irene Bindi excavated and researched pieces from the WAG collection to inform and influence new works created for this show that unveil layers of knowledge and material. Working with art historical items unfolds a transformation of new ideas and ways of thinking and rethinking objects through a contemporary lens.

Featuring artwork by Ian August, Irene Bindi, Mia Feuer, Takashi Iwasaki, Shaun Morin & Melanie Rocan, Kristin Nelson, Matea Radic, Dominique Rey, and Robert Taite