McMaster Museum of Art — Attraction in Hamilton

This review includes checklist of 12 pieces in the Ethereal Installation by Tim Whiten. On the eve of March 17th, 2022 full moon, I specifically came to take in Ethereal by Tim Whiten. This alchemically potent installation centres on air as the first of four pieces focusing on an elemental metaphysical examination.

Photographing and videorecording were not allowed. However I did find a stairwell art sculpture comprised of coat hangers that semi-echoed the sentiments of this airy collection. This coat hanger basket quasi-mirrored Tim Whiten's installation.

Ethereal had a gentle yet solid ritualized effect of very conscious and deliberate object placement. It consisted of 12 objects.

Signs of Life 1982 hair, blood, wax, wood Courtesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

Tabernacle 1980 chewing gum overplywood, vitrine Collection of the Art Gallery of Hamilton Gift of the artist in memory of Tom and Mary E. Whiten, 2019

Hallelujah 2014 lilac branches, umbrella handle Courtesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

Parsifal Parallel 2012 cast lead crystal

Magic Sticks 1970 leather, wood

Reliquaire II 2014-2015 handcrafted crystal clear glass mirror, human skull, gold leaf Collection of the Art Gallery of Hamilton Gift of the artist in memory of Tom and Mary E. Whiten

Reliquaire I 2012 handcrafted crystal clear glass, human skull, gold leaf Cortesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

Magic Squares 2002-2003 handcrafted clear glass Courtesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

Book of Light: Containing Poetry from the Heart of God 2015-2016 handcrafted crystal clear glass, burnt fragments of drawings (coffee and pencil on handmade paper) oak Courtesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

Arisearose 2016-2018 crushed resource glass, handcrafted crystal clear glass, wood (plywood and maple) Aqua-Resin, acrylic paint, metal

In-Sintilate 2008 handcrafted crystal clear glass, brass and glass beads Collection of Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Hallelujah II 2015 handcrafted crystal clear glass, lilac branches, brass fitting Courtesy of Tim Whiten and Olga Korper Gallery

As I meandered without a catalogue to guide me, I paused and considered in what direction the kaleidoscope was pointing, my mind began wondering about the cardinal directions in more than one belief system. It was a genius loci feeling of finding a new astrolabe of sorts...

The physicality of this building reminded me of a sparse robin's nest that had optimally placed its eggs to achieve best effect.

This was my first time visit to this small on-campus art gallery, and I was met with a simple, understated and welcoming grace by staff in this less-is-more footprint space. The attendent was overly modest, yet this was refreshing as it lent itself very well to opening up dialogue. In choosing to speak further with them about the Ethereal exhibit, they opened up freely and enthusiastically shared their knowledge and...

9-5 Monday to Friday and only til 7 on Thursdays? That eliminates all people who work full time days. Not good. Many people said they can't go there because of the hours. Some also said they had to leave the campus because there was no parking ! You need a credit card to park ? Not going to the show. There should be metered parking near the gallery for patrons. At least a dozen spots for a couple hours that take change should be...

McMaster University museum offers exhibitions linked with the university history. You can find there interesting exhibitions that might help you to understand both historical background of the school but also philosophy and biograms of its founding fathers. I recommend this museum to visit for people interesting in history and princies...