"Cultural Capital: Portraits in Platinum by V. Tony Hauser"
2001-02-21 until 2001-04-13
National Archives of Canada and the National Arts Centre
Ottawa, ON, CA Canada

This photographic exhibition features portraits of leading figures in the performing arts in Canada photographed over a 30-year period by the acclaimed Toronto-based photographer V. Tony Hauser. The prints come from the National Archives and the photographers personal collection. Cultural Capital will be presented at the National Arts Centre from February 20th until April 13th.

The exhibition represents a significant collaboration between two major cultural institutions - the National Archives, as the site for preserving Canadians collective memory; and the National Arts Centre, as Canadas premier showcase for the performing arts.

Im delighted that we are able to present this magnificent exhibition at the National Arts Centre, said Peter Herrndorf. Director Gcneral and CEO of the National Arts Centre. The majority of the people featured in the photographs have close ties with the NAC, and this is a coming-home of sorts for many of them.

Cultural Capital will feature photographs of personalities who have played an important role in the development of Canadas cultural life, including such well known personalities as pianist Glenn Gould, ballerina Veronica Tennant, actor Jean-Louis Roux and opera singer Teresa Stratas. The exhibition focuses on the portrait as a way of creating a personal connection between the artist and viewer, bringing to mind a particular performance or production.

Tony Hausers prints are a welcome addition to the more than four million photographs which form part of the National Portrait Collection held at the National Archives of Canada. Cultural Capital is the first exhibition presented as part of the newly announced Portrait Gallery of Canada, which win open in 2004 across from Parliament Hill said Ian E. Wilson, National Archivist.

Tony Hauser is internationally recognized for his fine prints, in particular for his mastery of platinum printing. This process, which was developed in 1873, gained favor as the purest and most permanent of the photographic processes. After declining in popularity during WWI it was revived in the 1960s and 70s.

Cultural Capital: Portraits in Platinum by V. Tony Hauser is being shown in the Foyer of Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; admission is free The portraits will also be featured on the National Arts Centres Web site during the exhibition.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Canada

Other Important Exhibitions in Ottawa