Canadian art has been shaped by generations of artists finding inspiration and perspective in their life experiences. For many artists, travelling to new places is an exciting avenue to find new perspectives and discover something that sparks their imagination.
This exhibition features a variety of Canadian artists who travelled abroad to develop their artistic skills or find inspiration. Their travels often shaped their art, introducing new ideas and styles to Canadian audiences.
Daytona Beach
Aleen Aked often vacationed in Sarasota, Florida during the winter months and frequently exhibited with the Sarasota Art Association.
Jets Over Arizona (1956)
Oshawa-born artist, Isabel McLaughlin, was a founding member of the Canadian Group of Painters and travelled broadly during her life. She often went on painting trips with friends, visiting places that ranged from the Great Lakes to Arizona.
The Rainbow (1888)
William Blair Bruce spent much of his life studying art in France, moving there officially in 1881. In 1886, after a brief return to Canada, he settled in Giverny alongside several artists, including Claude Monet. This location would inspire many of Bruce's famous artworks.
Palenque, Chiapas (Maya) Mexico (1986)
A self-taught photographer, Robert Bourdeau, extensively travelled from Ireland to Mexico to Sri Lanka to find sources of inspiration.
Reading Barcelona - Qtub (2008)
Gary Greenwood combined two images taken on different continents to explore sight and representation. On the right, people watch a TV showing a view of Delhi, India. On the left, two men touch raised letters on a wall with their hands in Barcelona, Spain.
Whirlpool Rapids Illuminated - New York Side (1916)
Born in England, Frederic Waistell Jopling moved to Canada as a child and later travelled to New York, finding work as a newspaper illustrator.
Curatorial Text/Editor
Michaela Dickens
With Support From
Sonya Jones
French Translation by
Jay Gonzalez Tinoco and Émeraude Domingos-Mbuku
This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce au gouvernement du Canada.
All content in this exhibition is copyright of Robert McLaughlin Gallery.