February 8 – June 29, 2025
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is set to host Derek Sullivan: Field Notes, a captivating exhibition running from February 8 to June 29, 2025. This show presents a thought-provoking exploration of artistic interpretation, blending drawing, sculpture, and installation art into an immersive experience.
Sullivan, a celebrated Canadian contemporary artist, is known for challenging conventional narratives in art. In Field Notes, he transforms everyday observations into multifaceted works that invite viewers to reconsider familiar symbols and meanings. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and inventive use of materials, Sullivan creates layered pieces that blur the lines between representation and abstraction.
Central to the exhibition is Sullivan’s ongoing investigation into how knowledge is documented, interpreted, and shared. His works often resemble annotated sketchbooks or visual diaries, filled with symbols, sketches, and texts. This approach evokes the process of field research, where observations evolve into complex networks of ideas.
Visitors can expect a range of media, including large-scale drawings, modular sculptures, and interactive installations. Each piece offers a unique perspective on themes like memory, perception, and the fluid nature of meaning.
Derek Sullivan (b. 1976), #166, Out Standing in a Field, A siege of herons, 2022–23, coloured pencil on Rising Museumboard, 133 x 101.9 cm, courtesy of Scotiabank. © Derek Sullivan.
Derek Sullivan: Field Notes promises a deeply engaging experience that merges art with intellectual inquiry. It encourages personal interpretation, making each viewer’s encounter distinct and thought-provoking. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Sullivan’s compelling artistic vision at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, located in Kleinburg, Ontario, is a premier cultural destination dedicated to celebrating Canadian art, culture, and natural landscapes. Home to an extensive collection of works by the Group of Seven, Indigenous artists, and contemporary creators, the gallery offers visitors an unparalleled artistic experience. Surrounded by 100 acres of stunning woodland, the McMichael provides a unique setting where art and nature converge, offering year-round exhibitions, programs, and events for art enthusiasts of all ages.
