Why is the historical context and understanding of Canadian art so important? The historical formation of the Canadian mentality is expressed in art by the repetition of a certain cycle of themes. First of all, the theme of the search for Canadian identity stands out – and it is a burning question for any multicultural country, not only Canada. The theme of separateness and seclusion and their impact on the individual in society also captures the attention of artists.
There are several sides to this question – it is enough to remember that in terms of borders, the most populated part of Canada borders only with the USA; and in terms of population density, Canada, except for its southern border areas and coasts, has territories with a single density, with very few settlements. To these peculiarities may also be added Indian life on reservations, which also bears a touch of isolation.
Thematic cycles
Also related to the themes already mentioned are questions of the interaction of several cultural layers, viz:
- the contacts between settlers and the native Canadian population and the development of their relationship;
- the contradictions and historical tensions between French-speaking and English-speaking Canada.
And no less important to art than the previous themes is the theme of the Canadian landscape, climatic conditions and picturesque landscapes, which is reflected, above all, in the art of the fine arts.
A first introduction to art
Throughout Canada’s journey of development, first in light of the British influence on the colony and later in close proximity to the United States, there has been a search for an answer to the question of what distinguishes Canadians from their allies and neighbors. Canadian art began as a derivative of European art. In what ways is this continuity evident?
In the early nineteenth century, the British roots of early architecture in Canada are still clearly visible. A remarkable example, confirming this obvious idea, is the Anglican cathedral by architects William Hall and William Robe, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Quebec City (built in 1830 and the first Anglican cathedral outside the British Isles). Its prototype was St. Martin’s Church (London, Trafalgar Square)
European Romanticism was one of the first influences on Canadian painting. The works of Joseph Legare and artists of his period, the portrait and landscape painting of Canada, retain their Romantic features. The influence of the Barbizon School (France) can be seen in the work of the first Canadian painters P.Kane and F.Bernay.
In the XX century the Canadian artworks have already moved away from the soft features of the European romanticism and expressionism. The pioneers on this path were the artists known as the Group of Seven. The depiction of rugged Canadian landscapes by this group of painters marked the beginning of a new style. A fragile object, most often a plant, stood out in contrast to the untouched wilderness.