A long time ago, 100 years to be exact, the Group of Seven held its first exhibition in Toronto. The collective, founded in 1920, was made up of seven Canadian landscape painters: Franklin Carmichael, A.Y. Jackson, Franz Johnston, Lawren Harris, J. E. H. MacDonald, Arthur Lismer and F. H Varley. They romanticized Canada’s untamed landscapes and the rugged forests, symbolizing them into an idea of Canadian independence and strength.
Initially, the Group of Seven was inspired by post-impressionists like Van Gogh and Edvard Munch. They were later influenced by Scandinavian art style. They enjoyed each other’s company talking about art, learning new techniques, and even painting together. The group brought Canadian art into the international spotlight.
And now they’re bringing it to the Art Gallery of Alberta. The exhibition features the original group, as well as other unofficial members, including Emily Carr. Watch the four-part virtual exploration series on the Group of Seven and those who were influenced by them. The exhibition is available to stream from home for free until March 14.
