John Aird showing some culture
Amy Neufeld

There comes a time in all our lives when we decide that we need some culture, and watching A&E just isn't going to cut it anymore. Fortunately for us here at Laurier there are cultural events happening all the time on our doorstep.

One such opportunity for enrichment is the Robert Langen Gallery, which is located in the John Aird Centre, and features shows by local artists.

It also has a growing permanent collection which began in the 1960s, and features the Seagram Collection and the Neufeld Collection.

Currently there are two art exhibits at the University, Doug Adams Recent Works in the gallery, and Wilhelm E. Nassau 30 Years of Photography in the foyer of the Maureen Forester recital hall.

Doug Adams received his B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1972. He has been in several group exhibitions, and this is his second solo exhibition.

The show, which is currently in the Langen Gallery, features works on paper and canvas as well as pieces based on Adam's research into the history of gardens.

In his Artist's Statement Adams commented: "I wanted to build up a fluid fecund environment to convey a sensuous and fertile nature."

Adams uses a variety of mediums on his canvases to create different effects. The acrylic washes usually are painted over surfaces of sand, modeling paste or other materials to create density and patterns.

"The vibrant use of colour and incorporation of texture and shape give Adam's work a special energy," commented Suzanne Luke, curator of the Langen Gallery, about the new show.

As well as Adam's work, Wilhelm E. Nassau's photographs are currently on display outside the Recital Hall, which is located next to the Langen gallery.

Nassau was the Director of Audio Visual Services and an instructor in Film Studies at Laurier from 1969 to 1988. He received a Diploma in Photography from the Vienna State Academy for Graphic Arts.

He also obtained a B.A. and a Master's Degree in Archaeology from Laurier. Nassau began his photographic career at the end of the Second World War when he worked as a news photographer with the British Eighth Army.

Nassau's show is entitled 30 Years of Photography, and reflects the work which he has done since coming to WLU. "Through my whole professional life, which took many turns away from professional photography, I always returned to the still camera and to the darkroom as a welcome feature of relaxation and satisfaction," commented Nassau in his Artist's Statement.

Many of the photographs are of the Laurier campus and other places in Waterloo, but Nassau also captures the beauty of nature in celluloid form.

His show includes photographs of very simple things such as barrels covered in snow or textile patterns in blankets, which Nassau presents with a quiet grace.

"The way he makes simple objects seem exquisite through his photography provides a fresh outlook on the normal" remarked art attendant Marsha King. "He takes the ordinary and changes it into the extraordinary."

Whether Nassau's photographs are of trees in Waterloo Park, the Alvin Woods Building in springtime, or a frog, they reveal peace and tranquillity in life. "These pictures reflect strongly my desire to find and preserve the beautiful things in this world that is often so unpleasant" commented Nassau.

The art experience at Laurier does not end with these gallery exhibits. The Cultural Affairs Department at WLU, in partnership with the Fine Arts Department at the University of Waterloo present the Canada Council Visiting Artists/Art Historians Series. These have featured lectures by artists such as Tom Hopkins and Susan Shantz. On Tuesday, November third, Landon MacKenzie will be giving a talk at 1:30pm at the University of Waterloo - ECH, room 1219. This series offers an intimate glimpse at the artists which are featured in local galleries.

The Wilhelm E. Nassau exhibit runs from October 16th to November 14th, and the Doug Adams show runs from October 20th to November 7th.

All shows have receptions, usually with the artist, that are open for anyone to attend.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10a.m. to 5p.m, and Saturdays from 12 to 5p.m. Admission is free, and schedules of the upcoming shows are available there.