Ripoff Artists Turn Heads

For their seventh annual challenge, the Ripoff Artists are stalking “the father of abstract art,” Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944). The larcenous group of South Okanagan artists will turn heads at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre for a week in July as they purloin Kandinsky’s “Garden of Love.”

This year marks one hundred years since a major exhibit in New York, the Armory Show, changed the face of modern art. Many famous artists had works in the show, and the Ripoff Artists will be ransacking Kandinsky’s entry, also known as “Improvisation #27.” Each artist will also include the number 13 somehow in their individual pilfered piece.

The usual suspects are back: Thea Haubrich, Enid Baker, Kurt Hutterli, Terry Irvine, Leo Petersen, Barb Levant, Marion Trimble, JoAnn Turner and Russell Work will be shamelessly making art in public, with the addition of guest artist Tara Hovanes, already known in Oliver for her abstract art.

The artistic exploits will begin with an opening reception Monday July 8, from 6 to 8 pm, and will wrap up at 3 on Saturday, July 13. During the week, come to the Quail’s Nest at 5840 Airport Road, across from the hangar. Your head will spin as you see this bunch of shady characters exploit the man who created a language of abstract art for the twentieth century.

Before this week of public pilfering, you can witness previous exploits of the Ripoff Artists at venues around town in Oliver. Artworks from previous years’ Ripoff challenges will be on display from June 18 through July 15. For more information, go to www.ripoffartists.ca