Former Alberta artist, Henri van Bentum, passed away peacefully in Victoria at age 92. 

Immigrating from the Netherlands to Canada in 1957, Henri practiced in Alberta, Ontario, and B.C., as well as internationally. His work is included in more than 200 private and public collections, and he has had solo exhibitions in galleries in Paris, New York, Banff, Mexico City, Toronto and Montreal.
 

An obituary is published on the McCall Gardens website. Our condolences to his wife Natasha van Bentum, and his family and friends. 

About the artwork

The AFA has one artwork by Henri van Bentum in the AFA Art Collection: Spatial Rhythms (1982). This artwork is representative of a major transition in the artist's practice, as explained in his obituary:

While painting ‘en plein air’ at Moraine Lake, two faculty members of the Banff School of Fine Arts came upon him unexpectedly. When they saw what was on his easel, Henri was invited to attend the school’s summer session (which he didn’t know existed). Having no money, they waived the usual fees.

Ironically it was in the Rocky Mountains that Henri discovered he was a born abstract painter, and left representational art behind, never turning back. (...)

Later, back in the Rocky Mountains 1980-85 where [his wife] Natasha worked at The Banff Centre, Henri embarked on a new series in watercolour, “Spatial Rhythms” and gave a solo exhibition at the Peter Whyte Gallery.

In the AFA's 2020-25 Collection Development Plan, one of the selection criteria of artwork by artists assessed to be core to the collection, includes "strong example of the artist's work [...] reflecting the pinnacle of a transition or paradigm shift in an artist's oeuvre..." (page 11).

In this respect, Spatial Rhythms is a good example of how the AFA uses its collection to help tell the stories of the artists who have lived and practiced here, and contributed to the development of visual arts in Alberta. 

• learn more about the AFA's collection development policy

Image description

Five rows of pink, purple, lavendar and blue painted lines on a light pink background. While the lines on the top row are mostly vertical, the rows below include lines painted at different angles, giving the impression of movement or of falling.

The AFA was saddened to learn of the passing of former board member and Alberta artist, Harry Kiyooka, on April 8, 2022. 
 

From the news posted on the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre:

Born in Calgary in 1928, Harry overcame prejudice and poverty to become an artist. He eventually received four degrees, including a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Masters of Art, and a Masters of Fine Arts, all before turning 30 years old. In 1958, Harry left Canada to study art in Italy. Upon his return to Calgary in 1961, he began a teaching position at the new University of Alberta, Calgary campus. In 1988, Harry retired from the University of Calgary after 27 years with the rank of Professor Emeritus of Art.

Harry co-founded the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre in 2007 with his wife, sculptor Katie Ohe. 

The AFA's connection to Harry Kiyooka

Harry served on the board of the Alberta Art Foundation (AAF) from 1977 through 1981. The AAF was one of three government art foundations that were eventually combined to form the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) in 1991. (Learn more about how the AFA was founded.)

The AFA Art Collection currently holds 17 artworks by Harry Kiyooka, and the Government of Alberta holds an additional six of his artworks in provincial art collections.

The two artworks featured on this post are from the AFA Art Collection:

• SKY SCAPE (serigraph) is estimated to be created during the late 1960’s
• RED CONTIGUOUS was painted in 1972

Harry was heavily influenced by the 'Op and Pop' art movement during this period. He was one of the first artists in Canada to use the medium of serigraphy in  a contemporary style. The artworks employ bold colours, hard edges and geometric shapes to create an optical experience.

Visit the AFA's Virtual Museum (click button below) to view the rest of Harry's works in the AFA's collection.

Sky Scape will be included in the upcoming Alberta Society of Artists (ASA) Travelling Exhibition (TREX) entitled, Montgeries: Montages and Memories from the AFA Collection. The exhibition is scheduled to begin touring in September 2022 and will travel throughout Alberta for three years. The theme of the exhibition is based on the AFA Art Collection's 50^th anniversary.

Image descriptions

Sky Scape - The image is dominated by block of solid bright yellow colour, interrupted by a series of vertical bands of different widths and colours to create an uneven rectangle. The bands of colour include peach, green, orange, grey and blue, and there is also a thin horizontal line of blue placed across the top of the yellow block. 

Red Contiguous - The image contains a series of red, maroon and grey horizontal bands of colour with gaps of space in between each band. A vertical band of dark grey runs through the middle of the painting, which disrupts the horizontal gaps, causing them to diverge in a variety of angles.

The AFA's Work of the Week celebrates the first day of spring.
 

While we wait for days with above 0° temperatures and prolonged time in the outdoors without fear of the elements, we can look to Jean Peters' Spring Thaw, to help us manifest a seasonal transition on this first day of spring.

About the artist

Jean Peters was born in Edmonton, Alberta and has lived in the area all her life. Her childhood years were spent in a rural community and it was there that she developed her sensitivity to natural beauty.
 

She started painting in 1975 and it developed into her passion. She has exhibited in Calgary since 1987, participating in many two or three person shows over the years. 

Jean is a Senior Member of the Society of Western Canadian Artists (SWCA) and is also a member in good standing with the Artists Borealis Group.

Jean's work may be found in galleries in Edmonton and Calgary as well as private and corporate collections in Canada and the United States.

Peters has been teaching acrylic painting since 1998 and enjoys the interaction with her students.

Image description:

An acrylic landscape painting of a wooded pond, light blue sky, melting white snow, leafless and fallen trees and brown grass.

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), we share the work of artist Miruna Dragan.
 

IWD is a time for us to recognize, celebrate and reflect on the achievements, stories and creativity of the many unique women of our past and present.

About the artwork

The artwork's title, When We Stand On the Threshold Between Two Worlds Our Soul Is Engulfed With Dreams, is a direct quote from Iconostasis, a book by Russian Orthodox theologian Pavel Florensky.

The artist, Miruna Dragan, responds to observed synchronicities towards subjective re-imaginings of archetypal myths and potent landscapes. Her work thematically reflects dispersion and transcendence. This artwork, like her others, offers itself as a tool for mystical experience while challenging assumptions about nature and culture.

About the Artist

Miruna Dragan, born in Bucharest, received an MFA in painting/printmaking from Rhode Island School of Design in 2001. She has been an Associate Professor at the Alberta University of the Arts since 2009. Dragan is a post-conceptual artist whose work investigates themes of locality and transcendence.

About IWD

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 around the globe. IWD has been celebrated globally since 1911 and is an important day that highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

There are many great women storied and unsung that have greatly influenced Alberta’s art scene, helping to make it what it is today. We encourage you to celebrate women by taking part in an IWD event near you.

Celebrate IWD through the arts

We have highlighted a few art events, exhibitions that might be of interest if you are looking for ways to celebrate IWD throughout the month of March.

Have a Seat at Our Table: Art Installation – St. Albert

March 1 - March 31
A community art installation titled Have a Seat at Our Table in the St. Albert Place lobby viewable until March 31, 2023.

https://stalbert.ca/events/calendar/arts-culture/have-a-seat-art-unveiling.
 

SkirtsAfire Festival

March 2 -12
Founded in 2012, SkirtsAfire is Edmonton’s theatre and multidisciplinary arts organization featuring women. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, its 10 day programming runs each March at various venues in the city.

https://skirtsafire.com

Fierce Women of Alberta – Leduc

Friday, March 4, 7:30 pm
A night of theater consisting of 2 shows written by local playwrights showcasing the stories of incredible women.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fierce-women-of-alberta-tickets-515075934987...

In Full Bloom: A celebration of artwork by and about women – Calgary

Wednesday, March 8, 3 pm
In Full Bloom, an exhibit focusing on artwork that celebrates the creative practices of women with an emphasis on female and nature inspired imagery and narratives.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-full-bloom-a-celebration-of-artwork-by-an...

Feminist Poetry on International Women’s Day – Calgary

Wednesday, March 8, 6 pm
Fifteen poets will share their work and their passion to change the world. The event is organized by the Feminist Caucus of the League of Canadian Poets.

https://albertamagazines.com/events/feminist-poetry-on-international-womens-day/

Arts Exchange: Elevating Women in the Arts – St. Albert

Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 pm
Moderated by the Art Gallery of St. Albert’s Curator, Emily Baker, the conversation will explore celebrating the work of women, forging inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and shining a spotlight on activities to uplift and inspire women to pursue goals without bias or barrier.

https://stalbert.ca/events/calendar/arts-culture/arts-exchange-elevating-women

Run Woman Run - Metro Cinema – Edmonton

Wednesady, March 8, 6:45 pm
When a steady diet of donuts, pizza, cake and cigarettes lands single mother Beck in a diabetic coma, she receives a ghostly life coach in the form of legendary marathon hero Tom Longboat who helps her train for the run of her life.

https://www.metrocinema.org/production/run-woman-run

International Women's Day program - Intergenerational Storytelling

Saturday, March 11, 2:30 pm
Women Owned Narratives (WON) invite you to a one-day celebration of women and their contributions. The event provides a platform for discussions around the unique barriers each have faced in their journeys. Inspired by the overarching theme of intergenerational storytelling, we can spark engaging conversations for people of all gender identities to listen, learn and contribute.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-womens-day-program-intergenerational-storytelling-registration-470430278627?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Trouble in Mind - Citadel Theatre – Edmonton

March 25 - April 16
Set in 1957, Trouble In Mind is a fascinating comedy-drama that takes a look at racism in the New York theatre scene. When the cast gathers to begin rehearsals, racial biases and tensions rise. When Wiletta Mayer, a talented Black actress, finds that her arguments to tell the truth of the story are dismissed, she decides to take action.

https://citadeltheatre.com/shows/trouble-in-mind

Submit an event

If you have and upcoming event related to IWD, please share it with us through our news feed submission form . 

To acknowledge both Indigenous Veterans Day (November 8) and Remembrance Day (November 11), the AFA's Work of the Week is Untitled (Soldier Sask Airport Mural Drawing) by James Nicoll.

About the artwork
 

This drawing is part of a series of sketches that were used to develop a mural at a Saskatchewan airport. There is another James Nicoll drawing of a Paratrooper in the AFA Art Collection, and the artwork includes the following text: “Drawing Series for Mural – Royal Canadian Air ABM, Saskatchewan airport.”

AFA staff have been unable to identify for which airport in Saskatchewan these drawings were created. (Any tips can be sent to afacontact@gov.ab.ca.)

About the artist

James (Jim) Nicoll was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta in 1892, and he primarily grew up in Nelson and Fernie, British Columbia. He served during World War I.

Jim started painting in 1930, while he was working as an engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Nicoll met his wife, well known Calgary artist Marion Mackay [Nicoll], at the Calgary Sketch Club in 1931. They married in 1940 and, in 1945, they settled in Bowness, a village just west of Calgary.

Jim was a realist painter, who worked primarily with oils. He was a self-taught artist who believed in representing the correct anatomy of objects, architecture, and people. Like his wife, Nicoll was important to the creation of the art scene in Alberta and Calgary. Read more about the artist. 

The AFA currently holds 389 different artworks by Jim Nicoll, which can be viewed on the AFA Virtual Museum. 

This week’s Work of the Week is Sunset on Boot Hill by Delia Cross Child.

Cross Child’s acrylics, such as Sunset on Boot Hill, are stunning evocations of colour that might be mistaken as psychedelic by anyone who had never witnessed the rolling prairies of southern Alberta. Her landscape scintillates with reds, ambers, and blues that rise like smoke into a sky aflame.
 

About the Artist: Delia Cross Child

Delia Cross Child is a Blood and Peigan artist and teacher who fuses historical and contemporary art traditions of Turtle Island and Europe to inspire her communities and educate the public about First Nations issues.

Born in Pincher Creek and raised in an one-child family on the Peigan Reserve at Brocket, Cross Child was fascinated by the landscape and its changing seasons, whose mountain-view hills and Old Man River valley she explored with her parents and siblings. The experiences became foundational to her later paintings; she describes “a performance… of ever-changing colour, sight, and sound” that was “only a part of the territory that… the Blackfoot Confederacy… had occupied for a long time. [It was] a place of solace during the times when my world appeared to be chaotic and confusing,” a world whose legacy included the mass-trauma of forced assimilation, residential schools, and “hunger, sadness, and abuse.”

Cross Child later attended the University of Lethbridge where she earned her B.A. in Art and Native American Studies (1996) and her B.Ed. in Art (2002). To motivate her students at Kainai High School on the Blood Reserve near Standoff, Alberta, she integrated traditional visual literacy into her teaching

Cross Child’s work has been exhibited at the Glenbow Museum, Walter Phillips Gallery, and Southern Alberta Art Gallery, and lives in the public collections of the University of Lethbridge, the Blood Tribe Administration, and the Glenbow Museum. Cross Child has received several academic and art awards, including membership in the University of Lethbridge’s Alumni Honour Society (2009), the Blackfoot Fine Arts Award (2008), and the Gerald Tailfeathers Art Scholarship (1996).

This week’s Work of the Week is Mind Over Matter by renowned Indigenous artist Alex Janvier.

This past Wednesday, September 30, was Orange Shirt Day – a day to honour residential school survivors and victims. In Alberta, there are about 12,000 residential school survivors and their families, including Alex Janvier.

About the Artist: Alex Janvier

Alex Janvier was born on the Le Goff Reserve, Cold Lake First Nations, Alberta, in 1935. He was raised in the Chipewyan tradition until he attended the Blue Quill Residential Indian School at the age of eight.

Janvier graduated with Honours from the Alberta College of Art in 1960 and since then has built an international reputation as a painter, muralist and printmaker. He has influenced a younger generation of native artists through his paintings and advocacy work with arts organizations and land claim committees.
 

His imagery is a combination of traditional native decorative motifs such as medicine wheels, floral designs and symbolic colour combinations. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, his work became more representational and concerned with specific social and political issues.

Janvier has been the recipient of many accolades throughout his career. Since 2007, he has received honourary doctorates from both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, was appointed to the Order of Canada, received a Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts and was the first ever recipient of the Marion Nicoll Visual Arts Award from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Alex Janvier continues to live and work in Cold Lake.

This week’s Work of the Week is Viking II by Douglas Motter.

When someone says the word ‘Viking’ do you think of a burly, blonde man wearing a horned helmet who plunders villages? If so, you may want to think again!  A new study suggests that Vikings didn’t exactly fit these modern stereotypes. Read more about it here. 
 

About the Artist: Douglas Motter (1913-1993)

Douglas Motter was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1913. He moved to Calgary, Alberta with his family in 1919. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the University of Missouri in 1935.

Motter was an educator, a watercolour painter, a printmaker, and a weaver. He was introduced to hand weaving in 1945, when he bought a loom for his wife. What started out as a hobby ended up turning into a career, as he was weaving professionally by the 1960s. Motter opened his own weaving studio called Doug Motter & Associates in 1961. His company specialized in creating decorative pieces, and one-of-a-kind fabrics. His studio also provided novice weavers with a place to test out their weaving skills.

In 1958, Motter was selected to exhibit at the Brussels World Fair. He was also chosen to exhibit at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal, Quebec (or Expo 67, as it commonly referred to).

Motter started teaching classes part-time at the Alberta College of Art in 1962, and by 1968 he was a full-time instructor at the College specializing in weaving, drawing, and design. He made a significant contribution to establishing the visual arts scene in Calgary, as he was one of the founders of the Allied Arts Centre. Motter also served as the President of the Alberta Society of Artists for two terms, and held the position of Provincial Director for Alberta at the Canadian Crafts Council.

His watercolour paintings reside in private and public collections in North America.

This week’s Work of the Week is October Snow, Foothills Morning by David More.

Well, it’s mid-October and that means it’s time for snow! Many parts of Alberta will be getting their first snowfall of the year today.

About the Artist: David More

David More is a painter, illustrator, author, and muralist.
 

Born in Scotland, he moved with his family to Canada in 1948, eventually settling in Red Deer, Alberta. Growing up in a community surrounded by forests and parks had a profound effect on shaping his art practice, especially what he calls his direct landscape paintings. He makes beauty out of the ordinary, whether depicting wild or manicured spaces, and explores in paint the range of moods in places often known only to locals.

More uses his art to explore subtle changes in the landscape, including the ebb and flow of the Medicine River through the seasons, the various cloud formations over the sky in the prairies, and the slow but destructive effects of acid rain in New Brunswick. More began his Garden Ceremony series in 1975, and he has returned to this series continually over the years. Inspired by his travels throughout Canada and to countries including Brazil, France, England, Trinidad and India, these large-scale garden paintings explore the juxtapositions between man-made and organic forms.

He graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now the Alberta University of the Arts) in 1972. In his early career, he worked as an art history researcher, a medical graphics artist, and taught at the Alberta College of Art and Design for three years. He came back to Red Deer and was a part-time instructor in the faculty of visual arts at Red Deer College for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2014.

In 2019, More donated about 200 sketches, drawings, and paintings to the Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery, as a way to give back to the community where he has spent most of his life painting the fields, streams, and skies.

This week’s Work of the Week is Revenant Portrait No. 5 Locked Doors by Calgary artist Karrie Arthurs.

About the Artist: Karrie Arthurs

Karrie Arthurs is a Calgary-based artist who works with paper and ink. A long-time tattoo artist, Karrie says her two artistic practices influence one another—almost melding together.
 

For several years, she has sourced and collected a large amount of “antique” paper, envelopes, documents, portraits etc., some dating 150 years old or more. This is the material she incorporates into her art - drawing on it with ink, charcoal and chalk primarily.

You can learn more about Karrie Arthurs and her artistic practice in her Alberta Artist Profile on our website.