08/30/2024

2/150 Artists: Greg Curnoe

short-wave

Greg Curnoe’s Short Wave Radios on Long Board (1987) is central to a new exhibition in London, Ontario. That’s where Curnoe led an important art movement from the late 1950s through the 1970s that became known as London Regionalism.

Greg Curnoe, Spring on the Ridgeway, 1964; oil on plywood and Masonite, rayon/nylon, metal, wood, paper, and string; 187 x 187 cm; Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. Sheila Thompson, who married Greg Curnoe in 1965, was the subject of many works throughout his career.
Greg Curnoe, Spring on the Ridgeway, 1964; oil on plywood and Masonite, rayon/nylon, metal, wood, paper, and string; 187 x 187 cm; Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. Sheila Thompson, who married Greg Curnoe in 1965, was the subject of many works throughout his career.

Curnoe (1936-1992) and colleagues were known not just for their art, but for their fight for the rights of artists to get recognition and monetary benefits, such as royalties, for their work. They helped found Canadian Artists’ Representation, a national organization of artists still operating today.

Greg Curnoe, Self-Portrait with Galen on 1951 CCM, 1971, acrylic on plywood, 731 x 666 cm, President’s Art Collection, University of Regina (missing from the collection since 1983).
Greg Curnoe, Self-Portrait with Galen on 1951 CCM, 1971, acrylic on plywood, 731 x 666 cm, President’s Art Collection, University of Regina (missing from the collection since 1983).

Canadian Art Junkie carried a previous, comprehensive piece on Curnoe, covering more about his witty work as an eccentric colorist – including visuals from a retrospective on his work.  Please see that item on Curnoe here.

A comprehensive biography on the Art Canada Institute, here.

Curnoe at the National Gallery of Canada, here.

Robert Fulford, column on Greg Curnoe, here

 


 

This is in the series 150 Artists.


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8 thoughts on “2/150 Artists: Greg Curnoe

    1. Sorry, should have made that more clear. Click on the big image at the top of the post and it’s linked to Museum London’s exhibit page. It’s on through the last week of April. London, Ontario. Hope that helps.

      1. Thanks – Curnoe is my favourite. I remember seeing a huge Curnoe retrospective at that museum sometime in the mid-00s. Will definitely head down for this.

  1. love the sweater in ‘jim about to be cornholed in a mailbag’. the whole way curnoe maps & blocks out the canvas really works with his vibrant colours.

  2. I like the art, a lot. Even more, I adore your 150 artists for Canada’s birthday! I intend to see every post!

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