Gallery Talk: Lisa Steele on Vera Frenkel

Dive into the history of Canadian contemporary art with a special gallery talk at Koffler Arts. Lisa Steele, a renowned video artist and educator, will present an overview of the extensive and influential career of Vera Frenkel. Frenkel, a pioneer in the use of new technologies, has spent decades exploring themes of cultural memory, migration, and the impact of media on our collective identity.

About the Speaker

Lisa Steele is a foundational figure in the Canadian art scene. Based in Toronto since 1968, she has built a career that spans performance, installation, and photo-text works. Steele is perhaps best known for her collaborative practice with partner Kim Tomczak, with whom she co-founded Vtape, the essential artist-run distributor for video art in Canada. As a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty, Steele brings a wealth of academic and practical knowledge to this discussion.

The Context

This lecture accompanies the installation *As If By Chance…*, a two-channel video and print project that exemplifies Frenkel’s ability to weave complex narratives through technology. The talk offers a rare chance to hear from one contemporary master about the legacy of another. Whether you are an art student, a collector, or simply interested in the evolution of Canadian media art, this session at the Koffler Arts centre on Shaw Street is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in the Queen West neighbourhood.