Saturday, October 26th, 2024 was an inspiring evening at The Whyte as "Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty" and "Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius" opened to an enthusiastic crowd.
Harty's presence at the opening added a special touch as he shared insights into his process and vision with guests in attendance, there to celebrate and enjoy his work. His paintings are a powerful tribute to the bison, capturing their spirit, strength, and enduring legacy in the wild and in cultural memory.
Visitors stepped back in history to enjoy works by Carl Rungius, an influential wildlife painter who was first brought to Banff on invitation of Jimmy Simpson in 1910, sparking his lifelong connection to the Rockies. Enjoy highlights of the evening fall exhibition opening in photos below.
Gallery 1
About the Exhibitions
Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies proudly presents Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty, an exhibition that explores the profound connection between humans and one of North America's most iconic wildlife species. Through the expressive works of Dwayne Harty, Bison Legacy chronicles the extraordinary journey of the bison from near extinction to cultural and ecological revival. Evident in each canvas is Harty’s deep connection to these majestic creatures that he has captured over years of dedicated study and artistic exploration. From the plains of North America to the forests of Europe, Harty captures the resilience and significance of bison in various landscapes. This exhibition not only celebrates the bison's remarkable comeback but also honors the collaborative efforts in conservation and the vital role of Indigenous cultural restoration.
Harty’s art reflects his deep respect and love for the bison, portraying its resilience and grandeur. Each piece is a testament to his hope that these artworks will inspire a renewed appreciation for today’s bison conservation success stories, from historical significance to contemporary efforts. Bison Legacy is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of the bison’s epic story, which unites us in a shared vision of hope and restoration. Harty envisions these exhibitions, along with Indigenous cultural celebrations and symposiums, as opportunities for communities to come together to reflect on the bison’s unique importance to the spirit of wilderness and to our collective imagination. The bison’s story is a reminder of our capacity to revitalize what was almost lost—a rebirth that touches us deeply and makes us more fully human.
Capturing the Wild: Works by Carl Rungius
The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies invites you to explore Capturing the Wild, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869–1959). Born in Germany and trained at the Berlin Kunstschule and Kunstakademie, Rungius developed his artistic skills through intensive studies of animal anatomy and his passion for the outdoors. His early experience sketching live animals and carcasses led to a realistic painting style that earned him recognition as North America's most important big-game naturalist painter.
In 1896, Rungius emigrated to the United States, where he gained prominence as an illustrator for sporting books and magazines. His artistic journey brought him to Banff in 1910, where he was invited by local guide and outfitter Jimmy Simpson. This trip marked the beginning of Rungius’s lifelong connection to the Rockies, where he spent nearly five decades capturing the rugged beauty of the region.
Capturing the Wild showcases a selection of Rungius’s paintings and sketches from our collection, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his work. From dynamic depictions of wildlife to majestic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Rungius’s art reflects his deep understanding of nature. His innovative approach of situating animals in their natural environments set a new standard in wildlife art. Join us as we celebrate Rungius’s legacy and his enduring influence on the art of the Canadian Rockies.
Be sure to visit The Whyte this winter to enjoy these exhibitions - on until January 19th!
Want to learn more about our exhibitions? Visit our website and stop by this winter to view them in person!
Gallery 1: Photos from the fall exhibition opening of "Bison Legacy: The Artistic Vision of Dwayne Harty" at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Photos by Katie Goldie.
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