School of Art

Once a Total Art Happening: Revisiting "artario 72"

November 24 – December 22, 2017  |  Curated by Noor Bhangu

On the evening of October 12, 1972, artario 72 opened at nearly 500 locations across Canada, including the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. Conceived by Slovenian-born, Toronto-based artist Peeter Sepp during his tenure as the Visual Arts Officer at the Ontario Arts Council, the exhibition sought to democratize art in Canada, making contemporary Canadian art accessible to those who previously had little opportunity to view or collect it.

Sold for $200 and shipped in compact boxes, the exhibition featured industrially-produced multiples from 20 Ontario-based artists working across various mediums and styles. Described as a "total art happening," Once a Total Art Happening revisits this pivotal exhibition through its archival materials—study guides, press releases, catalogues, and order forms—while reflecting on the cultural climate of 1960s and 70s Canada and the role of art in society.

Featured Artists: Ron Baird, Ted Bieler, T. Michael Bidner, John Boyle, Louis de Niverville, McCleary Drope, Kosso Eloul, Wyn Geleynse, Arthur Handy, Michael Hayden, Don Jean-Louis, Rita Letendre, John MacGregor, Robin Mackenzie, Kim Ondaatje, Jacques Schyrgens, "Mike" Snow, Raymond Spiers, Tony Urquhart, Dik Zander.

A gallery wall with a long white shelf displaying framed artworks. From left to right: a sculptural piece resembling a musical instrument, a muted urban sketch, a colourful graphic print, a minimalist geometric artwork, and a black-and-white poster reading "artario 72 oct12/1972."
A gallery space with art displayed on walls and pedestals. On the left, a vibrant geometric artwork and a black-and-white poster are mounted on a wall. On the right, five abstract black-and-white canvases are displayed. In the foreground, modern sculptures and architectural models are presented on pedestals.
A detailed view of a display case featuring "Moose Brand" matchboxes and ceramic sculptures resembling pillow forms with skeletal imagery on a light blue background.
A well-lit glass display case showcasing objects. Items include ceramic sculptures in pastel hues, a blue translucent sculpture with cloud motifs, and a bright green door-shaped piece. Each item is displayed on a minimalist white base.
A close-up of a display case showing vintage items. Included are a matchbox with the label "Moose Brand - Canadian Flag Matches," accompanying red maple leaf matchsticks, and related historical sketches.
A row of five abstract black-and-white paintings resting on a slim white shelf, featuring organic, curving shapes in high contrast.

Events: Curator's Tours

  • December 8, 2017  |  1:00 PM
  • December 14, 2017  |  11:30 AM

Exhibition supported by Young Canada Works - Building Careers in Heritage.