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Impressions of the Post-Impressionists
By Paul Constable
Recently I went to the Edmonton Art Gallery to view 15 Post-Impressionist Masterpieces presently on loan from the National Gallery of Canada. It is part of a 6 Canadian city tour representing work by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, Raoul Dufy, Kees van Dongen, Maurice de Vlaminck, Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis, André Derain and Albert Marquet. These works were produced between the late 1800's to the early 1900's. The strength and influences of Post-Impressionism on Canadian art is very evident by this show.
CezanneForest
Van Goghstill-life flowers
Paul Serusierlandscape at Pont Avon
I have been fortunate enough to have seen these masterpieces on numerous occasions at the
National Gallery. What was missing on those trips was the close proximity of Canadian works
being produced about the same time period. Being a floor apart doesn't do one any good when
seeking subtle information. Upon entering the Edmonton Art Gallery Show, you first go through a
room housing about 20 Canadian works of art, a side wing has another 15 pieces or so, from the
early 20th century. I bounced back and forth exploring the similarities of a Frank Carmichael
painting of a green valley with trees trimmed in mauve, Emily Carr's wild forest, Clarence
Gagnon's distinctive Quebec landscape, a David Milne piece, Lawren Harris's Algoma sketch and
A.Y.Jackson's rugged Canadian north country; all no less masterful than the Cézanne landscape
in the other room.
Emily Carr
Now I know many of the Canadian artists represented in the adjoining room had been to Europe on
numerous occasions. Did they have direct contact with the Masters? If not, I'm sure they saw
their work in galleries and shows; and discussed it amongst themselves. The group of seven
started their climb in the early 1900's with a distinctive colour palette and design influences
that came from this time period. The other Canadian artists on display also show strong
influences by the Post-Impressionists, making it possible for them to find their own Canadian
vision.
Lawren Harris, Algoma
This show is well worth the price of admission $12. Also, it is an unique opportunity to
discover our Canadian painting roots, as the galleries on this tour, are regional and can pull pieces from their collections to complement the show. This was a much appreciated touch and a
great use of the galleries resources. Hopefully the next show, in the next city will keep this
in mind, if they plan to do something similar. I highly recommend comparing our Canadian artists
with the works of the Masters. Ask yourself, did Canadian artists push the envelope a bit? I'd
like to think so!
For those going to Edmonton, hurry! The show concludes June 1, 2003.
Show Schedule:
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia,
Halifax
September 12, 2003
Museum London,
Ontario
December 13, 2003
Winnipeg Art Gallery,
Manitoba
March 10, 2224
Also, if you want a bit more information on the Post-Impressionists read the
recent review by Robert Amos (also with images) on this show at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, B.C.
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Paul Constable is the Director of Artists In Canada. He is a Painter / Printmaker and
Senior Graphic Designer for an Advertising and Communications company in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan.
Paul Constable can be reached by email
HERE.
His paintings may be viewed at:
www.ArtistsInCanada.com/pconstable.
Your suggestions for future articles are welcome.
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© 2003 ArtistsInCanada.com