Arthur Lismer, B.C. Coast, Vancouver Is., 1961, Oil on panel, Firestone Collection of Canadian Art

Alan Collier, Near Squamish, B.C., 1984, Oil on beaverboard, Firestone Collection of Canadian Art

Historically, landscape painters have employed oceanic imagery to create idyllic scenery and to represent both the powerful and destructive nature of the sea. At Land's End highlights a selection of artworks from the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art that reflects the continuous convergence of land and sea that shapes this country's utmost border. From the depiction of maritime fishing villages, to floating glaciers and rocky shorelines, the works chosen for this exhibition vary both in style and subject matter.They range from representations of specific geographical locations, to investigations of the evolving relationship between the human and natural worlds.

In the early 20th century, members of the Group of Seven sought to distinguish themselves from European painting traditions in order to create a uniquely Canadian painting style. This motivated other artists to travel the country in search of inspiration from a direct experience of the land. In this spirit, A.Y. Jackson visited the arctic and sketched iceberg formations from the bow of a supply ship. Produced during his summer vacations away from Toronto's urban centre, Alan Collier's marine landscapes showcased cliffs, lighthouses and shipwrecks painted in a colourful and atmospheric style. In his later works, Arthur Lismer became fascinated with seaside debris including discarded fishing gear and piles of seashells.These studies were a testament to his interest in maritime fishing culture and the artefacts associated with a life tied to the sea. As a figurative painter, Philip Surrey employed beach scenes as a backdrop for which to enact scenes of leisure and seaside tourism.

From sea to sea to sea, Canadian artists have created artworks that illustrate the breadth of Canada's coastal borders. Depicting wide-sweeping views of the horizon or intimate close-up of coastal flora, these images help us appreciate the unique properties, both natural and manmade, found at the threshold where land ends and water begins.

– Anik Glaude, Interim Curator, Firestone Collection of Canadian Art

Events

Opening | Thursday 12 August at 5:30 pm

Conference | Friday 24 September at 12:30 pm with documentary photographer David Trattles. Join us for a presentation of stunning photographic images from the Canadian coast and stories about coastal life.

Exhibition Walkthrough | Friday 15 October at 12:30 pm
with curator Anik Glaude (in French)