The Mechanical Bride

Exhibition: 1 May 2010 – 6 Jun 2010

The Mechanical Bride
Jacqueline Hassink, Toyota girl 1, Frankfurt, 2007 , International Motor Show, 11 September 2007, from the series Car Girls, 2006-08, Courtesy of the artist and Amador Gallery, New York

The Mechanical Bride
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

The renowned Canadian theorist Marshall McLuhan applied techniques of art criticism to assess the affect of mass media upon the public in his groundbreaking book published in 1951, The Mechanical Bride. His practice of analyzing and commenting upon the persuasive strategies applied in the media of his times remains relevant today within a global village consumed by widespread media saturation.

Mirroring a world devoted to the image, photo-based works by Canadian and international artists reveal vital connections between mass media, advertising, painting and photography. Reflecting the enduring influence of Marshall McLuhan, The Mechanical Bride exhibition explores the social and cultural affect of images and their emotional and political implications.

Curated by Bonnie Rubenstein.

Artists

Works

  • Dana Claxton, Baby Girlz Gotta a Mustang, 2008, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa Purchase 2009
  • Jacqueline Hassink, Toyota girl 1, Frankfurt, 2007 , International Motor Show, 11 September 2007, from the series Car Girls, 2006-08, Courtesy of the artist and Amador Gallery, New York
  • Alec Soth, Florence, 2007, © Alec Soth/Magnum Photos