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On Now

Beauty of Mending

November 30, 2024 - May 25, 2025

A View From Here

April 27, 2024 - April 27, 2029

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◻ Exhibition Highlight: Ivory in the AGGV Asian Collection ◻

Ivory, like other animal bones, was chosen as an ideal material for carving in early human societies due to its physical characteristics of workability—soft to be carved with intricate detail, and durability—dense, hard, and capable of withstanding the test of time. Archaeological findings suggest that as early as 3,000 years ago,
people in Asia had mastered ivory carving skills. Due to its scarcity and inherent beauty, Ivory items served as symbols of wealth, power, and status.

While we appreciate the amazing art of ivory carving, it's important to note the devastating impact of ivory trading on wildlife. Our institution's ivory collections were all made before the beginning of the 20th century. The artworks on display underscore our responsibility to preserve the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.

👉 Visit "A View From Here" to explore more artworks like these. The exhibition runs until April 27, 2029.

📷 Image credits: 1) Decorative Ball with 100 Boys' Motif, c. 1900, Ivory. Gift of the Estate of Elizabeth Stewart. AGGV 2009.029.012 | 2) Pen Container with Lion Family Surrounded by Masks and Heads, 19th century, Ivory. Gift of L.B. Eberhardt. AGGV 1996.050.001 | 3) Kogetsu To, Mask Netsuke of Hannya the Female Demon, 19th century, Ivory. Gift of James and Joanna Davidson. AGGV 2006.002.022 | 4) Old Man Carrying a Child on His Back, n.d., Ivory. Gift from the Estate of Kathleen E. Reif. AGGV 2000.007.029 | 5) Puzzle Ball (Ghoast Talented Ball) on a pedestal in the form of a man, c. 1900, Ivory. Gift of the Estate of Agnes Simpson (Collection of Harry Muncaster Hind). AGGV 1998.036.030 a,b.

#AGGV #ArtGalleryVic #AsianArtcollection #AsianArt #IvoryArt #BCArts

What's Happening

May 22, 2025

Feel Free!

Free Gallery Days

Join us for free admission every Thursday evening from 5PM to 9PM, generously sponsored by TD.

May 24, 2025

On View: Architectures of Protection

Curated by Toby Lawrence, AGGV Curator of Contemporary Art

Featuring artworks by Dana Claxton, Jessica Karuhanga, Emilio Rojas, Beth Stuart, and France Trépanier. Visit the Gallery to view today!

May 25, 2025

Family Sunday

Asian Art Adventure

Join us for an afternoon of hands-on art making in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. Free for those 25 and under!

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AGGV Magazine

ICYMI: Kintsugi Demonstration with Naoko Fukumaru

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◻ Exhibition Highlight: Ivory in the AGGV Asian Collection ◻

Ivory, like other animal bones, was chosen as an ideal material for carving in early human societies due to its physical characteristics of workability—soft to be carved with intricate detail, and durability—dense, hard, and capable of withstanding the test of time. Archaeological findings suggest that as early as 3,000 years ago,
people in Asia had mastered ivory carving skills. Due to its scarcity and inherent beauty, Ivory items served as symbols of wealth, power, and status.

While we appreciate the amazing art of ivory carving, it's important to note the devastating impact of ivory trading on wildlife. Our institution's ivory collections were all made before the beginning of the 20th century. The artworks on display underscore our responsibility to preserve the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.

👉 Visit "A View From Here" to explore more artworks like these. The exhibition runs until April 27, 2029.

📷 Image credits: 1) Decorative Ball with 100 Boys' Motif, c. 1900, Ivory. Gift of the Estate of Elizabeth Stewart. AGGV 2009.029.012 | 2) Pen Container with Lion Family Surrounded by Masks and Heads, 19th century, Ivory. Gift of L.B. Eberhardt. AGGV 1996.050.001 | 3) Kogetsu To, Mask Netsuke of Hannya the Female Demon, 19th century, Ivory. Gift of James and Joanna Davidson. AGGV 2006.002.022 | 4) Old Man Carrying a Child on His Back, n.d., Ivory. Gift from the Estate of Kathleen E. Reif. AGGV 2000.007.029 | 5) Puzzle Ball (Ghoast Talented Ball) on a pedestal in the form of a man, c. 1900, Ivory. Gift of the Estate of Agnes Simpson (Collection of Harry Muncaster Hind). AGGV 1998.036.030 a,b.

#AGGV #ArtGalleryVic #AsianArtcollection #AsianArt #IvoryArt #BCArts

Territory Acknowledgement

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is located on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.

@ArtGalleryofGreaterVictoria

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