An Avon perfume bottle, a body builder figurine, a small athletic trophy – all randomly discovered in thrift shops are now glittering together in a new exhibit in downtown Calgary.
Artist Melinda Topilko has about 70 spray-painted gold figures on display in two window galleries in a hallway in the Arts Commons building.
She calls her installation “Gilded Lily” and explained that it’s “about the idea of stereotypical visions of how girls and women are supposed to look. I like to pick up what pop culture’s already made and use it to maybe tell a different message.”
Topilko is one of several artists whose work will be featured at an event Tuesday night at Arts Commons.
It’s to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote in Alberta.
Calgarian Joya Sauder said she’s glad to see the art commemorating the historic development.
“That’s a huge thing,” she said. “And I think it’s a really unique way to celebrate that.”
Carolyn Brooke also enjoyed the chance to take in Topilko’s display and to reflect on the women’s suffrage movement.
“I went to Nellie McClung Elementary School,” she said, referring to one of leaders of the movement. “So, it’s always been very close to my heart. We can’t forget how hard people have worked to get us here”.
The event at Arts Commons is called “Happenings #4”, running from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19th.
Along with the art exhibits, it also features music, films and panel discussions.