Halifax gallery explores nostalgia through new group exhibition

An exhibit at Argyle Fine Art in Halifax is pictured. (Hafsa Arif/CTV News Atlantic)

A Halifax art gallery is inviting visitors to take a step back in time with a new exhibition inspired by the objects and memories that defined past decades.

Argyle Fine Art is preparing to open Nostalgically Yours, a group show featuring work from roughly 20 artists reflecting on moments and items that evoke nostalgia.

Gallery owner Adriana Afford said the exhibit grew out of a call for submissions asking artists to think about the things people remember fondly, whether from childhood or more recent years.

The exhibit includes paintings and other pieces inspired by a wide range of items from different eras. Some artists focused on vehicles, including classic Volkswagen Beetles and vans, while others turned to gadgets that once filled homes and pockets.

Works in the show reference items such as Walkman cassette players, record players, televisions displaying test patterns and toys.

Afford said once the artwork began going up on the walls, certain themes became clear, including the bright colours and bold designs associated with the 1980s and 1990s.

“It’s turned out to be kind of a really playful show,” she said.

The exhibit also includes smaller items such as stickers and art cards created by participating artists.

Afford said the idea for the show came together quickly, with artists given about four weeks to submit their work, a short turnaround compared with many exhibitions.

Despite the tight timeline, she said the response from artists was strong.

“Sometimes people can respond well to creating something spontaneously,” she said.

The gallery will host an opening event Friday evening featuring music played on vinyl records, along with retro-themed touches such as a disco ball and candy provided through a collaboration with the Halifax shop Freak Lunchbox.

The exhibition will run through the end of the month and is free for visitors.

Afford said that the gallery hopes the show will encourage people to revisit familiar memories and support artists at the same time.

“Go out to your own communities and support local businesses as well as artists,” she said.

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