David Blackwood @ AGGV

Outward Bound for the Labrador by David Blackwood. Etching and aquatint on wove paper. 1987.

DAVID BLACKWOOD

Black Ice: Prints from Newfoundland at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

May 4 - Sept 8, 2013

This impressive collection of prints includes archival material and historical artifacts as well as information about Blackwood’s working methods.

Organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario and curated by Katharine Lochman, the exhibition traveled to Newfoundland after its Toronto premiere in 2011.

David Blackwood was born in Wesleyville, Newfoundland in 1941, into a nautical family of ship builders and sea captains. During his upbringing in the isolated fishing community, he witnessed a disappearing way of life.

For generations, the sea-faring people gathered cod, seals and seabirds from the tempestuous Atlantic. These bountiful harvests arrived on icy currents of fecund sea water.

“Icebergs still drifted by Wesleyville in July,” recalls David, “if one became mired off-shore in Bonavista Bay, the micro-climate of the village chilled.”

(*Artist quotes are from a public lecture delivered May 4, 2013)

Navigation of coastal waters with schooners and row boats was fraught with perils. Fuelled by vivid memories of people and events, and illuminated with imaginative power, Blackwood’s prints mesmerize the viewer with narrative content.

The stories of everyday life in Wesleyville are extraordinary tales wherein light and darkness collide and coalesce. We witness the fragility of human life, pitted against forces of nature and the inevitable passage of time.

Terror lurks in the unknown depths - but hope glimmers in the surreal beauty of white ice on black water.

Vision of the Lost Party: Outport Funeral by David Blackwood. Etching and aquatint on wove paper. 1/10 1967.

Lone Mummer Inside by David Blackwood, Etching and aquatint on wove paper. 16/50 1979. Mumming was a Christmas tradition in rural Newfoundland. Disguised community members went door to door, teasing and celebrating with neighbours.

Michelle Jacques became chief curator in 2012.

Jacques is familiar with the images in Black Ice. The curator worked at the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2011, during the exhibition’s premiere. “The fisherman’s glove is specific to Newfoundland iconography,” says Jacques, pointing. The form of the mitten allows for dexterity and warmth.

Jacques explains that the artist documents personal experiences and Newfoundland folklore, while incorporating art historical references. Lone Mummer Inside echos the style of 15th century German painter Hans Holbein. Portraits by Holbein in Northern Renaissance style show precise rendering of form and exquisite attention to detail.
David remains a consummate Newfoundlander at heart,” she says,
“while employing an inquiring and well-educated mind.”

Blackwood’s father was captain of the family schooner Flora S Nickerson. Hoping to pass on this heritage to his son, he would lift up young David and point out the names of the sails in this painting. One of the only artworks in Wesleyville, it was often visited by locals.

Chief Curator Michelle Jacques with Flora Nickerson Coming Home from the Labrador by Eli Noseworthy

Son David’s career with sailing ships and the sea turned out differently than his father anticipated, notes Jacques.
As an artist, he creates images of ships instead of sailing them.

“This makes a fascinating subtext to the story,” Jacques says.

Jon Tupper has east coast roots.

Jon Tupper is Director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Like Blackwood, his roots are in Newfoundland and Labrador. Tupper maintains a seaside cottage in Nova Scotia.

Many coastal communities identify with Blackwood’s tales, explains Tupper. “The sea can be a source of both livelihood and tragedy. The sinking of just one fishing boat can be devastating to a small town.”

The director is interested in the social dynamics described in “house hauling”. “We look on this action as strange,” he says, “but it shows the ingenuity and community spirit of the people.” From 1954-1975, the government pushed to resettle people living in isolated fishing villages. Better access to education and health care was the rationale, but the upheaval disrupted the social fabric and traditional way of life. Tupper notes that the resettlement issue continues today in Newfoundland with families offered up to $275,000 to relocate.

“This print contains a wealth of information,” he says. He points out the absent chimney and side porch, the long line of men straining at the task, and a huddled group of women and children looking on. The anchor that secures the block and tackle rope system is prominent in the foreground of the print, whereas the men behind the house, repositioning the logs appear tiny.

House Hauling by David Blackwood Etching and aquatint on wove paper.

Jesus Walking on the Sea by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) on display in Holy Bible.

The Methodist teachings of the Old Testament, included stories of fire, brimstone and miracles.

With little visual art in homes, engravings like Jesus Walking on the Sea by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) made a big impression on the youthful artist. His poetic imagination was ignited by Shakespearean tales and classics such as The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner.

At his lecture, Blackwood explained that he had just returned from a tour of Israel and Jordan. “It was a powerful experience to visit these sacred places,” he says, “including a voyage on the Sea of Galilee.”

Wesleyville: Burning of the Methodist Church by David Blackwood. Etching and aquatint on wove paper. 1976

Blackwood presented archival photos of Wesleyville that included the Methodist Church. “The Methodists were practical and encouraged education and community service,” he says.

The village had no fire department, so events like the burning of the church were local tragedies, witnessed by all.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
is located at 1040 Moss Street.

Phone: 250 384-4171 www.aggv.ca

Tours and programming for Black Ice: are ongoing. Please check website for details.

Kate Cino with Director Jon Tupper