The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

David Blackwood Exhibit Opens at The Rooms

Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to acknowledge the upcoming opening of the exhibition Black Ice: David Blackwood Prints of Newfoundland at The Rooms happening tomorrow (Friday, June 8).

David Blackwood is one of Canada’s leading printmakers and most popular artists. Black Ice showcases iconic Blackwood etchings, revealing the richness of his imagination. It also includes related historical artifacts and archival material from Mr. Blackwood’s own collection.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Blackwood has been telling stories about this province in the form of compelling visual narratives for 30 years. He is known for exploring the timeless theme of the struggle for survival in our own distinct environment and how this impacted on a centuries-old way of life.

Opening to the public at the same time as Black Ice is an exhibition co-curated by Mr. Blackwood, entitled Back in the Day: David Blackwood’s Newfoundland and Labrador. This exhibition will be located in The Rooms atrium and will feature images, related archival documents, and artifacts from The Rooms collections. The exhibition draws on Mr. Blackwood’s own experiences and memories of Wesleyville, where Mr. Blackwood was born and raised.

There are a number of scheduled events planned while these exhibitions are on display, including a public opening reception which Mr. Blackwood will be attending tomorrow, as well as a special presentation by a senior curator from the Art Gallery of Ontario as well as guided tours of the Black Ice exhibition beginning June 13 through to September 9.

I encourage all residents to take the time to visit The Rooms to see this incredible exhibition highlighting the work of David Blackwood, one of our province’s most distinguished artists.

Thank you.

2012 06 07             1:50 p.m.