German philosopher Walter Benjamin wrote that “ownership is the most intimate relationship one can have to objects: not that they come alive in him; it is he who lives in them.” The second in a series of exhibitions featuring works from local collectors, this exhibition highlights one aspect of Toronto and Prince Edward County-based collector Terri Lipman’s collection: women artists. Her collection consists of furniture, artefacts, paintings, sculpture, drawings, and fibre works but in particular, the RMG shares her interest in the work of Canadian women artists.
As a child Lipman made regular trips with her mother to art galleries and antique shops and her parent’s home was filled with Canadian art, modern Scandinavian design and mid-century pottery. Ranging from work by mid 20th century and contemporary Canadian women artists to anonymous folk and design work, Lipman’s interest in “hand works” has obviously steered her own collection. Through collecting, she has formed wonderful relationships not only with the artwork, but with the artists, as well.
While the work in this exhibition is diverse, what conjoins them for Lipman are impressions where reality is tinged with reverie, stories intimated, lessons learned and all conveyed thoughtfully through a myriad of materials. As much as the artworks, Lipman is interested in the journey of collecting: where it began; where it is today; and where it is going.
The exhibition includes work by Pegi Nicol Macleod, Jori Smith, Mary Wrinch, Heather Goodchild, Lisa Diquinzio, Shary Boyle, and Naomi Yasui among others.