Tom Thomson: North Star
June 24, 2023 to January 14, 2024
About the Exhibition
Tom Thomson (1877–1917) is indisputably Canada’s preeminent modern painter, and his catalytic achievement changed the face of Canadian painting forever. This exhibition will offer a close look at Thomson’s legacy, focusing on the small en plein air oil paintings, also know as oil sketches, of which he is the supreme master. An account fit for the twenty-first century, the exhibition and accompanying major publication will isolate particular moments of Thomson’s artistic experimentation, and incorporate assessments of his work by leading contemporary artists and writers, exploring Thomson’s evolving public persona as the quintessential outdoorsman, and considering his oeuvre within the framework of the international art of his time.
The fully illustrated colour catalogue will include essays by Ian A.C. Dejardin, Sarah Milroy, and Algonquin historian Christine McRae Luckasavitch, as well as appreciations by contemporary Canadian artists Ben Reeves, Sandra Meigs and Zachari Logan, all of whom are engaged with Thomson’s artistic legacy.
Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with the exceptional support of the National Gallery of Canada.
Curated by Ian A.C. Dejardin, Executive Director, and Sarah Milroy, Chief Curator, McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
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Artworks from the Exhibition
Tom Thomson (1877–1917), Water Flowers, 1915, oil on wood panel, 21.3 x 26.7 cm, Purchase 1976, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1976.20
Tom Thomson (1877–1917), Winter: Sketch for In Algonquin Park, 1914, oil on wood panel, 21.8 x 26.7 cm, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Mastin, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1980.19.1
Tom Thomson (1877–1917), Sunset, 1915, oil on board, 21.3 x 26.7 cm, Gift of the Founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1966.16.69
Tom Thomson (1877–1917), The Jack Pine, 1916–17, oil on canvas, 127.9 × 139.8 cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Purchased 1918, 1519, Photo: NGC
Curatorial Talk with Ian A.C. Dejardin
Tom Thomson: North Star
June 25, 2023
