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International Art Treasures Web Magazine April 2006 |
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Each artwork in the exhibit is included in the catalog with a brief historical essay, putting the artwork in perspective, both for its inclusion and to learn about the artist and their life. The catalog opens with an examination of the history of the Art Gallery of Hamilton, which was founded in 1914 making it one of Canada's oldest art galleries. Almost without saying it is unsurprising that the gallery focuses on Canadian content. Essays detail the emergence and development of the collection. The heart of the catalog is the individual essays, reflective of the artwork forming the crux of the exhibit. The front image is a Coville painting entitled Horse and Train. The accompanying essay explains that the work was not well received. It was considered morbid, given a horse gallops along a track towards a moving train. Interestingly after the AGH purchased it, three years after its creation, Coville sent a letter to the then gallery director, pleased to learn the work had found a home. Horse and Train was inspired by Roy Campbelle poem "Dedication to Mary Campbell". Emily Carr's fascination with Native Canadian culture and totem poles was often reflected in her works. The artist undertook a project to illustrate Native Totem Poles as they were found in their original village settings. She would sketch images on location and then return to her studio and complete her paintings. Lasting Impressions will open at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in May before traveling to several other Canadian art museums.
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Front Cover of Lasting Impressions: Celebrated Works from the Art Gallery of Hamilton
Editor: Tobi Bruce, Curator of the Exhibit
Essays by: Tobi Bruce, Debra Daly Hartin, Esther Trépanier and Joyce Zemans
ISBN:0-919153-84-4
Cover Image:
Title: Horse and Train
Artist: Alex Coville (Canadian b. 1920)
Medium: Glazed Oil on Hardboard
Gift of Dominion Foundries and Steel Limited (Dofasco), 1957
Image Courtesy: ABC Art Books Canada