Lawren S. Harris Mountain Sketch LXXXVII 1937

the exhibitions
 

SYMPHONIOUS REALM:

Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Group of Seven

1 May – 26 August , 2010


Common perceptions about the art  of the Group of Seven are based largely on their paintings that portray the Canadian wilderness, offering only a limited idea of the group’s other work such as their inspired portraits, prints, war art, and cartoons. Symphonious Realm, produced in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Group of Seven’s first exhibition, showcases a variety of artworks by all ten official group members, many of which have rarely been exhibited before. Despite the diverse artistic approaches and viewpoints taken by each member in depicting Canada, its people, and history, the Group of Seven were brought together by their shared belief in the need for a well-defined Canadian art. This nationalistic mentality emerged out of their experiences with the First World War, which precipitated the desire for a distinct non-European identity.

Symphonious Realm reunites the art of the Group of Seven with music by the Rheostatics, a Canadian independent band. The exhibition features their album, Music Inspired by the Group of Seven, originally commissioned by the National Gallery of Canada in 1995 to accompany a retrospective exhibition honouring the Group of Seven’s 75th anniversary. The pairing of visual and musical artists illustrates how Canadian culture is intricately interwoven and creates a dialogue between the arts. A similar cross-pollination of creative outlets was central to the formation of the Group of Seven who met at, and were involved in, The Arts and Letters Club. During this time, the Club was a Toronto association where artists, musicians, writers, architects, and those from other professions came together to help build and invigorate an artistic culture for Canada. With the medley of visual art and music, Symphonious Realm aims to honour this model and help create art lovers out of music devotees and fans of the Rheostatics out of Group of Seven followers.

Curated by Alyssia Nelson