[BCMA] [MEDIA RELEASE] Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art explored in Kelowna Exhibition

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv]

For Immediate Release


Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art explored in Kelowna Exhibition


Seriously? Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art 1970s–Now

September 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026



September 3, 2025 – Kelowna, BC: Fans of visual art and comedy will have a healthy dose of both through a unique exhibition that opens at the Kelowna Art Gallery this weekend. Seriously? Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art 1970s–Now presents artwork that uses humour—sometimes light, sometimes biting—as a lens to explore Canadian identity, politics, and cultural shifts across time and geographies.



“Seriously? brings together two generations of artists—from Anna Banana to Maud Lewis to Sonny Assu—who offer powerful reflections on culture and community,” says Nataley Nagy, Executive Director at the Gallery. “Visitors will be able to explore and discover a remarkable depth of artwork that has been borrowed from private collections across the country and brought to Kelowna to be seen.”



Seriously? traces unexpected connections—from the folksy Victoria school, Vancouver’s edgy Western Front scene, Halifax conceptualism, Regina funk, to Indigenous artists’ embrace of manga and comics. Senior artists such as Judy Chartrand, Maxwell Bates, and Anna Banana offer sharp cultural critiques, while others including Shuvinai Ashoona, Victor Cicansky, and Maud Lewis find humour and joy in the everyday.  A wide range of media will be on display for audiences—from ceramics and beadwork to cartoons and performances—offering visitors a chance to engage with works that explore humour and whimsy, qualities rarely highlighted historically in the Canadian contemporary art landscape.



Seriously? Comedy and Satire in Canadian Art 1970s–Now runs from September 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026. It is organized by Griffin Art Projects and curated by Melissa E. Feldman. It is presented with support from Acera Insurance, Trove Fine Art, and Kelowna Paint Supply.



An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Kelowna Art Gallery. It is free and open for the public to attend.



A Live Performance of Adrian’s Awetopsy with Montreal-based artist Adrian Norvid is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 am.



JUNO-nominated Comedian Charlie Demers offers audiences a night of comedy on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 7:30 pm. It is organized by and being held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.



Bob Rennie: Collector’s Talk offers attendees an unforgettable morning with Rennie, who has been recognized as one of the world’s top 200 art collectors. It is planned for Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 10:00 am. Guests interested in attending are asked to kindly R.S.V.P. to the Gallery.



The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water Street in the heart of Kelowna’s Culture District. For more information visit kelownaartgallery.com or call 250-762-2226.



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MEDIA ACCESS: Curator Melissa E. Feldman and artist Adrian Norvid will be in Kelowna working on the installation and available for interviews from September 3-6. Media Previews can be arranged by request.



Image Credits



Artist Adrian Norvid performing Adrian’s Awetopsy, 2024. Image courtesy of the Artist. Photo by Guy L’Heureux.



Andrea Mortson, Together-Dream Sampler, 2021, analog collage. Image courtesy of the artist.



Judy Chartrand, Enlightenment Brand, 2001. Slip-cast clay, underglaze, lustre. © Judy Chartrand. Courtesy Rennie Collection, Vancouver. Photo: Kenji Nagai.



Artist Adrian Norvid performing Adrian’s Awetopsy, 2024. Image courtesy of the Artist. Photo by Guy L’Heureux.



Resources



           Exhibition Webpage: https://kelownaartgallery.com/seriously/

KAG IG: https://www.instagram.com/kelownaartgallery/



About the Kelowna Art Gallery



The Kelowna Art Gallery engages, inspires, and enriches the community it serves through the exhibition, collection, and interpretation of visual art. Work by Canadian artists, both historical and contemporary, are presented in five distinct exhibition spaces. The Kelowna Art Gallery is invested in the idea that art helps to bring people together; and that life is simply better with art in it. Programs for people of all ages and backgrounds help to instill confidence in ones’ creativity and to foster meaningful dialogue on matters important to Canadians.



For additional high-res images, or to arrange an interview with the artist, please contact:



Joshua Desnoyers (he/him)

Marketing and Events Coordinator



Kelowna Art Gallery

1315 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R3

250-762-2226 ext. 305

josh at kelownaartgallery.com<mailto:josh at kelownaartgallery.com>

www.kelownaartgallery.com<http://www.kelownaartgallery.com>
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