Curated by: David Diviney
John Greer: retroActive celebrates more than four decades of inspiring and enlightening production from one of Nova Scotia most important artists. This exhibition offers insight into Greer’s artmaking from the late-1960s to the present day, featuring works from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Permanent Collection, key loans from outside sources, and new pieces created by the artist to be displayed publically for the first time. Signature examples made with traditional materials and processes such as carved stone to more ephemeral objects mail art, and multiples, among others illustrate Greer’s full oeuvre and commitment to the broader discourse of sculpture.
Having taught for 26 years at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, John Greer’s thinking and teaching has helped to shape contemporary sculpture practice regionally and across the country. He has been included in some 50 solo and 60 group exhibitions and his work is held in public and private collections around the globe. In 2009 Greer was the recipient of the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, Canada’s highest distinction in field of art and culture.
A fully illustrated hardcover book accompanies this exhibition. Critical essays by Ray Cronin, David Diviney, Andria Minicucci, Vanessa Paschakarnis, Dennis Reid, and Ron Shuebrook provide the most comprehensive analysis to date of John Greer’s significant contributions to the world of art.