Thursday, April 13, 2017

Dynamic Colours

Coming Of The Opposite is the title of this 1972 acrylic by Alex Janvier, which examines the opposing forces- namely the coming of white people- intervening in First Nations lives.


Trial And Error is a 1972 acrylic, the centerpiece of five paintings that were grouped together.


To its left were two paintings: 1972's Abstract and Gallery Goers from 1964. To its right were two other paintings: Three Centres and Roses & Thorns, both from 1964.


I mentioned yesterday that Janvier had exhibited with other Canadian First Nations artists as the Indian Group of Seven in the 1970s. They also counted the artist Bill Reid among their number as the eighth member of the group. In 2011, Janvier painted a series of large acrylic paintings, each of them named after a member of the group. These first two are Alex Janvier and Joseph Sanchez.



This pair are Eddy Cobiness and Carl Ray. 


And these complete the series of eight. Jackson Beardy, Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig, and Bill Reid are all strong examples of his recent abstract works. 


I am finishing today with The Sky Beings, a 1974 acrylic reflecting spiritual beliefs and using circles, something that comes back time and time again in his work.

31 comments:

  1. I like his most recent work, especially.

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  2. I really like these. Lots of nice color.

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  3. so neat, colorful ... if you stare too long i am kind of going cross-eyed. i think? ( ;

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  4. these paintings are so up my alley!

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  5. @Marleen: me too.

    @Revrunner: I do as well.

    @Halcyon: very much so.

    @Beth: that could be!

    @Hilary: usually abstract doesn't work for me, but this is an exception.

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  6. ...the last one is my favorite.

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  7. These are interesting to look at ... but I'm not really a fan of that kind of art. Some of them would make great stained-glass windows, for sure.

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  8. With lots of white these paintings are bright.

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  9. @Tom: it's a good one!

    @Lowell: for me, his style works, but I find with modern art that it depends on the artist or the individual work.

    @Cloudia: definitely!

    @Whisk: indeed.

    @Red: they are!

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  10. Janvier certainly has a way with intricate patterns and pleasing colors.

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  11. they are colorful...i'm kind of on the fence about them...although i think they look better grouped together.

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  12. They are all so lovely. I do like the colors!

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  13. I would love to own any of his works!

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  14. You put a lot of time into preparing today's post. So much information. So much great art!

    Janis
    GDP

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  15. Wauu.. I really like this kind art.

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  16. @Sharon: he does.

    @Tanya: I was pleased to see this exhibit on more than one occasion. It's not usually the sort of art I'd go for, but he's an exception.

    @Lois: me too.

    @Norma: I suspect they might be pricey!

    @Linda: I agree.

    @Janis: thanks!

    @Francisco: thank you.

    @RedPat: definitely!

    @Orvokki: me too.

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  17. Great paintings. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. This is some very nice art.

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  19. Hello, looks like a fantastic exhibit. Love the colorful paintings. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day and weekend! Happy Easter!

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  20. They are colorful, but as art it leaves me blank. No, I don't like Picasso either.

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  21. A great collection of colorful artwork. Thanks for sharing them. Always love to see interesting art exhibits.

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  22. This was certainly worth a return visit!

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  23. We're a bit under the weather, but these would be so nice to view in person!

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  24. @Klara: you're welcome.

    @Bill: it is!

    @Eileen: thanks!

    @Mari: different tastes for all.

    @Denise: you're welcome.

    @Kay: it was, yes.

    @Gunn: he has quite a style.

    @Jennifer: I enjoyed seeing them.

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