Exhibit: Welcome to Colville!

AGO's Alex Colville Art Exhibition Review

Before my sister's wedding took over my life for the past two weeks, I visited the Art Gallery of Ontario to explore their newest exhibit Alex Colville. I have to admit my knowledge of Colville's work was very limited, I knew his famous Horse and Train (1953) painting was featured in Stanley Kubrick's film The Shining, so I figured I would like this exhibition, but after visiting, I'm in love with Colville!

Bodies in a Grave, Belsen, 1946

With more than 100 works by the famous Canadian artist, Alex Colville is the largest exhibition showcasing his work to date. Consisting of several galleries, with the first giving a brief introduction of Alex Colville (did you know he designed the 1967 Royal Canadian Mint coin series to celebrate Canada's 100th birthday?) and then the exhibit quickly delves into his work as an official World War II artist. Paintings of  soldiers and the horrors at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp were unnerving, and I can see why many of his later works took on a dark and menacing tone.

Colville Centennial Coins Photographs, 2014 by William Eakin

Coastal Figure, 1951

Elm Tree At Horton Landing, 1956 -  Used as the Cover Image to Alice Munro's Book The Progress of Love

Church and Horse, 1964

Several of his paintings gave me shivers, anticipating what was going to happen next. Others took on a 3D affect while other paintings depicted his wife Rhoda. The love for his wife of 70 years seemed to permeate his brush strokes. The last painting before his death was of his wife in front of a grandfather clock, and it brought tears to my eyes. Alex Colville died 7 months after his beloved Rhoda last year.

Moon and Cow, 1963

Western Star, 1985

Target Pistol and Man, 1980

Seven Crows, 1980

The AGO has had some amazing exhibitions in the recent past like Terror and Beauty and David Bowie Is, and this exhibit is no different. The surprise I felt at liking this exhibit so much, made me love it even more. This is an exhibit that should not be missed and both Alex Colville fans and those, like me, not familiar with his works, will enjoy. Alex Colville runs until January 4, 2015. Please visit the Alex Colville AGO Exhibition website for more information.

Kiss With Honda, 1989

Woman With Clock, 2010

 P.s!: There is a Toronto connection - Alex Colville was born in Toronto in 1920! And make sure to keep your eyes on your change, you might be lucky enough to get an Alex Colville designed coin.

P.s,

Melanie!