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The Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven

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The Group of Seven was a group of Canadian artists who revolutionized the art world in the early 20th century. Their modernist paintings were inspired by the Canadian landscape and were characterized by their bold colours, simple forms, and expressive brushwork.

Defiant Spirits: The Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven

by Ross King

4.2 out of 5

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The Group of Seven was founded in 1920 by Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Arthur Lismer, Frederick Varley, and Frank Johnston. The group was later joined by Emily Carr and Tom Thomson. These artists were all committed to creating a new, distinctively Canadian art that would reflect the unique beauty of the country's landscape.

The Group of Seven's paintings were a radical departure from the traditional, European-influenced art that had been popular in Canada at the time. Their work was often met with criticism from the art establishment, but it eventually gained acceptance and recognition.

The Group of Seven's modernist paintings had a significant impact on the development of Canadian art. They helped to establish a new, national identity for Canadian art and inspired a generation of artists.

The Artists of the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven was made up of a diverse group of artists, each with their own unique style and perspective. However, they were all united by their shared commitment to creating a new, distinctively Canadian art.

Lawren Harris was the leader of the Group of Seven. He was a gifted painter and a passionate advocate for Canadian art. Harris believed that Canadian artists should be inspired by the country's unique landscape and culture.

J.E.H. MacDonald was another important member of the Group of Seven. He was a talented painter and a gifted printmaker. MacDonald was particularly interested in the use of colour in his work.

Arthur Lismer was a painter and a graphic artist. He was known for his bold, colourful paintings of the Canadian landscape. Lismer was also a gifted teacher and he helped to spread the Group of Seven's ideas to a new generation of artists.

Frederick Varley was a painter and a printmaker. He was known for his atmospheric landscapes and his expressive use of colour. Varley was also a talented war artist and he served as an official war artist during the First World War.

Frank Johnston was a painter and a printmaker. He was known for his delicate, lyrical paintings of the Canadian landscape. Johnston was also a gifted teacher and he helped to spread the Group of Seven's ideas to a new generation of artists.

Emily Carr was the only female member of the Group of Seven. She was a painter and a writer. Carr was known for her evocative paintings of the British Columbia landscape. She was also a passionate advocate for First Nations art.

Tom Thomson was a painter and a graphic artist. He was known for his vibrant, colourful paintings of the Canadian landscape. Thomson was a gifted artist, but he died tragically in 1917 at the age of 39.

The Impact of the Group of Seven

The Group of Seven had a significant impact on the development of Canadian art. They helped to establish a new, national identity for Canadian art and inspired a generation of artists.

The Group of Seven's paintings are now considered to be some of the most iconic works of Canadian art. They are held in major museums and galleries around the world and continue to inspire artists and viewers alike.

The Group of Seven was a group of visionary artists who revolutionized the art world in the early 20th century. Their modernist paintings were inspired by the Canadian landscape and were characterized by their bold colours, simple forms, and expressive brushwork. The Group of Seven's paintings had a significant impact on the development of Canadian art and they continue to inspire artists and viewers alike.

Defiant Spirits: The Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven

by Ross King

4.2 out of 5