A Week in Culture

There’s never a specific season for culture. It’s the type of organism that infiltrates all times of the year; all seasons. The challenge of course then remains — how does one fit so many exhibits, events and festivals in one weekend? There is no rhyme or reason; simply put, just get going!

In light of Halloween just around the corner, The Toronto After Dark Film Festival has begun, and is running until Oct.27. From zombies to ghosts and ghouls, this festival doesn’t fall short of frightening proportions. Watch the festival’s films at The Toronto Underground Cinema, and meet filmmakers and other fans at Nocturne Nightclub and Tequila Bookworm. Just remember to keep one eye open when you do eventually hit the sheets.

If a night of fright isn’t your thing, channel your inner Russian and head off to the AGO to check out their exhibit, Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde. Featuring the art of Marc Chagall and other visionaries of the Russian modernists, the exhibit looks closely at the role Chagall’s Russian heritage plays in his creations. Displaying 118 works from paintings, films and other media, the entirely of the collection is from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, and only on display until Jan. 15.

And if Toronto doesn’t quite do it for you, why not head out west to Vancouver for the weekend? Put on your Gertrude Stein cap and visit the Vancouver Art Gallery’s An Autobiography of our Collection exhibit. Running until Feb. 12, the exhibit explores how collections in the museum are infused with the narration of an institution’s “history, identity and aspirations,” all through the concept of autobiography. The gallery’s hope is to divulge how both the history and identity of an institution are “fragmented, full of layered notations and self-perceptions.” Exhibiting works from Emily Carr and Andy Warhol among many others (80 in total), this exhibit may leave you with the desire to pen — or paint — your own autobiography.

For more information on the events listed above, visit torontoafterdark.com, ago.net and vanartgallery.bc.ca

— Melissa Silva