John W. Ford sees the artistic and storytelling potential in objects that the rest of might overlook – or, in this case, look through. His glass ‘houses’ are teeming with art historical references in the form of glass lantern slides of historical paintings.

Slides liked these were projected in classrooms from the turn of the century through until the 1950s, when Kodachrome slides rose in popularity because they allowed for colour images and were significantly less expensive. With the development of digital image collections, the age of viewing images as if literally seeing through rose coloured glasses came to an end. No more faded, black and white, or pink projections of paintings.

Come explore the ‘houses’ John W. Ford has built and see if you recognize some familiar faces in the treasures within.

Be sure also to join us on Thursday February 27 when Ford will present an Artist’s Talk about his work at 12:30 pm.
Admission is free.

John W. Ford: House Not a Homecontinues to March 29, 2014 at McMaster Museum of Art.