School of Art

Superscreen: The Making of an Artist-Run Counterculture and the Grand Western Canadian Screen Shop

October 11, 2019 – January 17, 2020  |  Curated by Alex King and Timothy Long

Co-Produced By: MacKenzie Art Gallery & School of Art Gallery

The School of Art Gallery presents Superscreen, an exhibition exploring the activities, social environment, and legacy of the Grand Western Canadian Screen Shop, the Prairies’ first artist-run centre. Active from 1968–1987 and founded by artist William (Bill) Lobchuk, the Screen Shop became a hub of artistic engagement, education, and experimentation in Winnipeg’s Exchange District.

The exhibition contextualizes the Screen Shop within the dynamic social and political changes of the 1960s and 70s. It highlights its impact as a site for dialogue and collaboration, producing art that challenged modernist, Eurocentric, and imperialist narratives. Featuring screenprints, sculpture, photographs, and ephemera, the exhibition celebrates the Screen Shop's role in shaping a rebellious and innovative chapter in Canadian art history.

Featured Artists: Don Proch, Winston Leathers, Judith Allsopp, E.J. Howorth, Tony Tascona, Gordon Bonnell, Christopher Finn, Louis Bako, Lenard Anthony, Gordon Lebredt, Jackson Beardy, Daphne Odjig, Alex Janvier, Carl Ray, and others.

The exhibition also explores the Screen Shop’s connections with Canadian artist-run networks, including collaborators such as General Idea, David Thauberger, Joe Fafard, Victor Cicansky, Russell Yuristy, and the Sanavik Co-op in Baker Lake. These collaborations reflect the vibrant and diverse cultural production of the era, spanning psychedelia, Pop Art, conceptualism, political critique, Indigenous pride, and feminist practice.

A spacious gallery installation with framed artworks, a large printed banner, and black-and-white photographs in the background.
A gallery showcasing framed artworks, a "General Idea" text banner, and tables with archival documents under glass.
A gallery wall labeled "Counterculture," featuring framed mixed-media artworks and accompanying text.
A close-up of archival materials, including black-and-white photographs, letters, and publications, presented under glass in a vitrine.
A gallery installation featuring a banner titled "Prints of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc." alongside framed works by Indigenous artists.
A gallery space with a mix of framed prints, colorful banners, sculptures, and display tables showcasing diverse artworks.
A closer view of framed Indigenous artworks, including bold and vibrant designs in a minimalist gallery setting.
A gallery with vertical photo series, archival artifacts in vitrines, and framed artworks focusing on themes of identity and culture.
A display of contemporary framed art prints exploring nature, abstraction, and narrative, accompanied by an informational banner.
A gallery view featuring colorful abstract works, a historical "Hot Property!" poster, and narrative-driven framed art prints.
A striking black-and-white piece of large-scale artwork depicting motorcycle racers, accompanied by a smaller photo.
A selection of framed abstract and figurative artworks presented on a gallery wall with clean white framing.
A display case featuring colorful comics, vintage illustrations, and bold graphics focused on countercultural themes.
Pop-art-inspired portraits of cultural figures in vibrant colors.
A detailed scientific-style chart beside a colorful artist group portrait.
Framed artworks and a sculptural depiction of a man and a dog in a gallery setting.
A row of framed abstract and figurative art on a minimalist gallery wall.
A colorful geometric artwork paired with a textured black-and-white piece.
A display case featuring vintage photographs and handwritten letters.

Events:

  • Reception: December 6, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Panel Discussion: December 6, 6:45 PM – Moderated by Alex King and Jamie Wright, featuring panelists Astrid Alexandra Keim, Dana Kletke, Kristin Nelson, Josh Ruth, and Daina Warren.
  • Letter Peddler Press with Sean McLachlan: October 31, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
  • Lunch Hour Exhibition Tours: November 7 and December 11, 12:35 – 12:55 PM