The half-century following the end of World War II was one of the most fertile periods in the history of Canadian painting. Abstraction dominated artistic practice, as many artists sought an international language that might transcend national and regional narratives. Gallery Gevik is pleased to present an exhibition that highlights this period of remarkable creativity, when ideas of abstraction and the nature and limits of artistic mediums were being hotly contested by artists.

The paintings included in this show are associated with movements as diverse as Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, Hard-Edge painting, and Minimalism and represent some of Canada’s most celebrated artists. These cutting-edge practitioners sought to redefine what painting could be and in the process each cultivated their own unique voice, enjoyed by generations of art lovers. Some highlights include 70s-era lyrical abstractions painted on raw canvas by Alex Janvier, a trio of luscious expressionist burst of colour by Rita Letendre, an early Automatiste inspired ode to gestural painting by Lise Gervais, a powerful fusion of monochromatic colour and precise string work by Harold Town, and a return to the colour white by Ron Bloore, who hoped, through his painting, to achieve the same transcendental quality he felt while looking at ancient architecture.

We’re excited to share this exciting selection of some of Canada’s best artists with you beginning this Saturday, December 7, 2024.