Light splitting prisms and smashing guitars are among the iconic images that have graced the covers of some of music’s greatest albums. Now, a gallery held in conjunction with the Juno Awards aims to expose the works of Canadian artists on a national stage.
The gallery opened on March 16 at the Museum of Civilization. It features the album art from the “Recording Package of the Year” Juno Awards category from 1975 to the present. Among the album covers are Moving Pictures by Rush, and exit by k-os. In addition, the display will include photographs from the past 40 years of the Juno Awards.
“Its a chance to showcase wonderful works of art from people that aren’t necessarily associated with the music scene” said Jill Primeau, a representative from the Juno Awards.
The concept for the album art gallery came about in 2011, which was the 40th anniversary of the Junos. “We came up with the idea while working with the Art Gallery of Ontario,” Primeau said.
“Often times, these artists don’t get the spotlight like others…so we’re grateful that the Canadian Museum of Civilization jumped on board with this project.”
Kim Ridgewell is a British Columbia-based artist who is one of the nominees for this year’s Recording Package of the Year. She shares the nomination for her work on the packaging for the album “Rest of the Story” by jazz musician Chris Tarry with designer Jeff Harrison.
By combining elements of Tarry’s work as an author with his music, Ridgewell and Harrison crafted a book that contains illustrations that lead into the album. Turning the pages of the book reveals a cut out segment where the CD is located.
“Album artwork is one of the first [things] I remember associating with art when I was young,” Ridgewell said. “Pulling them off shelves and examining them, there was just such a wide range of work.”
When asked about her nomination, she said that it was “very exciting” as it was “out of the traditional award camp for us…being nominated with a bunch of musical artists.”
With digital sales dominating music revenue, the creation of unique album artwork can be hard, according to Ridgewell. “So much of the work that we do now…is downloaded or accessed through iTunes, so although you see that album cover, it doesn’t have that interactivity,” she said.
The ability to interact with an art form traditionally consigned to dingy record store bins is a sound idea, according to one music fan.
“An exhibit showcasing the past Juno award winners is an excellent idea for a companion to the ceremony,” said Robert Nelson. A lover of Canadian music, he's excited to visit the display.
Nelson has spent a number of years working in the Canadian folk music scene. As a result, he’s had plenty of exposure to artists who are flying under the radar.
“Music is, like all art forms, based upon the work that has come before it. By featuring the past winners of the Junos, it is unique way of celebrating the work that has come before, and served as inspiration for this year’s nominees,” Nelson said.
The exhibit will run until April 9.