The Art Gallery of Alberta Presents Abstract Works by Lawren Harris

Written by Stuart Colman Wednesday, 10 August 2011 22:47

Edmonton, Alberta.- The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is proud to present "Lawren Harris Abstractions", jointly organized by the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Alberta. On view until September 11th, this exhibition of paintings and drawings features a selection of abstract works by renowned Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris. “Harris’ career presents us with an interesting narrative of creative change” says AGA Deputy Director/Chief Curator Catherine Crowston “shifting from a strong commitment to landscape painting in the early decades of the 20th century to a focus on non-objective abstraction in the 1930s.”

Well-known for his contributions to the creation of a uniquely Canadian identity for art through his landscape painting, Lawren Harris was also a pioneer of abstraction in this country. He was inspired by the organic shapes of nature, and attempted to capture the spiritual essence of the natural world through abstracted forms and compositions. "Lawren Harris Abstractions" combines 14 works from the National Gallery of Canada with 6 from the Art Gallery of Alberta’s collection to demonstrate Harris’ shift in interest from representing the landscape to creating almost fully non-objective works. Born in Brantford, Ontario in 1885, Lawren Harris was a founding member of the Group of Seven and the first president of the Canadian Group of Painters. From his travels across Canada, the Arctic and New Mexico Harris gained inspiration from the natural landscape. He passed away in Vancouver in 1970.  The exhibition is presented as part of The National Gallery of Canada at the Art Gallery of Alberta, with the support of Capital Powered Art; an exhibition series sponsored by Capital Power Corporation. This unique program launched in 2010 and allows visitors to the AGA the opportunity to enjoy an ongoing series of exhibitions featuring works drawn from the National Gallery’s collection in Ottawa. This is the first new exhibition in this series in 2011.


The Art Gallery of Alberta is a centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada, connecting people, art and ideas. The AGA is focused on the development and presentation of original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world. The AGA also offers a full-range of art education and public programs. Founded in 1924, the Art Gallery of Alberta maintains a collection of more than 6,000 objects and is the oldest cultural institution in Alberta. It is the only museum in the province solely dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of art and visual culture. The AGA recently underwent a major re-building project. Designed by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout, the 85,000 sq foot (7,900 sq metres) new AGA opened to the public on January 31, 2010. The new Gallery features three floors of premiere exhibition space; the City of Edmonton Terrace; the Singhmar Centre for Art Education; Zinc restaurant; Shop AGA; Ledcor Theatre and an Art Rental and Sales Gallery. Visit the museum's website at ... http://www.youraga.ca

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