The exhibition Athletic Aesthetics, curated from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts permanent collection, attempts to draw parallels between the pursuits of athletics and visual arts. Each of the 20 pieces depicts a moment relating to sport, play or practice. Some highlights include photographs by Don Mabie and Sylvian Voyer of the 1978 Commonwealth games in Edmonton; screen-printed golf lessons by Bill McCarroll; and an experimental video by Lindsay McIntyre of a youth playing an Inuit game.

The exhibition content is varied in both artistic medium and athletic activity. Techniques include photography, video, multiple types of print making, drawing and painting. Imagery includes sports such as football, cycling, badminton, skiing and golf, in addition to activities one might not immediately think of when recalling “sport,” but that are impressive feats of athleticism nonetheless – ballet, bull riding and gymnastics.

In presenting a collection of visual art concerning the subject matter of athletics, a common ground is forged where audiences can begin to consider the similarities between these two pursuits, which are typically siloed from each other due to societal norms and expectations. For example, it becomes apparent that the acts of both athletics and arts require practice and patience. Both can be enjoyed throughout one’s whole life. Both are activities that many people engage in, with only a few elites rising to the top of their respective fields. Each has sub-sections with imposed hierarchies of value. In the art world, think of “fine art” versus “craft”. In athletics, think of the pay gap between male and female athletes at the professional level. And the list goes on. Ultimately, Athletic Aesthetics urges viewers to find pleasure in the joys of movement and activity and to delight in human ability, no matter what form it might take.