Abstract work of Painters Eleven featured in new Lynnwood exhibition
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Lynnwood Arts latest exhibition, Don’t Touch The Art!, features the work of Painters Eleven, known as the “wild ones of Canadian art.”
An influential group of rogues and mavericks determined to leave their mark on the Canadian art scene, the Painters Eleven were a group of men and women who were behind one of Canada’s most important abstract art movements.
“They are some of my favourite pieces in our permanent collection,” said Kim Shippey, Lynnwood’s executive director. “Abstract art in post-war Ontario was a tough sell but some brave and very determined artists refused to give up and brought abstract art to the forefront.
“This group of artists, known as Painters Eleven, absolutely revolutionized contemporary art and invigorated the international art scene. And the best part is Lynnwood Arts has several of these pieces in our permanent collection.”
The Painters Eleven group was started by one of the more reserved members, Alexandra Luke, who assumed a leading role in organizing a touring show called the Canadian Abstract Exhibition. The show opened in Toronto in 1952, then travelled throughout Ontario and into New Brunswick. The exhibition introduced countless Canadians to abstract art.
An influential member of Painters Eleven, William Ronald, whose painting is featured in the Lynnwood Arts exhibition, worked as a window designer for Simpson’s department store in Toronto in 1953.
Ronald convinced the store to enhance window displays for contemporary furniture with abstract art. The windows, entitled Abstracts at Home, garnered the interest of the Globe and Mail in which a full-page ad was featured. This helped introduce abstract art to the general public and the wave of acceptance for it had begun.
The exhibit runs until April 15.
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