Group of Seven in the Algoma Region
The Group of Seven, Canadian icons well-known to all Canadians is closely connected to the Algoma Region. This group of painters became revolutionary for their time when they started developing a new style of painting in Canada. Their innovative approach was not welcome by the official art critics of their era or the public. This group of artists was working on implementing new movements that had been influencing art in Europe for some time but also adapting their style to depict the Canadian landscape--its uniqueness, raggedness, and beauty.
The founding members of the Group of Seven are: A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Arthur Lismer, Franz Johnston, Frederick Varley, and Franklin Carmichael. In addition to the founding members later on three artists were invited to join the Group: A. J. Casson, Edwin Holgate and LeMoine FitzGerald.
Their first exhibition as the Group of Seven was in May 1920 at the Toronto Art Gallery. Prior to forming the Group these artists worked collaboratively and exchanged ideas for a number of years. Even though he was not a member of the Group, Tom Thomson, who tragically (and mysteriously) died in the summer of 1917 in the Algonquin Park accident, was affiliated with the aforementioned artists and worked on the same ideas and themes, creating the new and unique style of depicting the Canadian landscape in painting. Had he lived he would have been part of the Group. Therefore, his early influence and connection to these artists cannot go unmentioned.
Part of the Group's approach was to travel into nature and explore and capture the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. They spent time in the north, far from cities, painting and sketching, going back to their studios and working on larger paintings based on these drawings and sketches. The beauty of the untouched landscape of Northern Ontario brought them to the Algoma Region.
The founding members of the Group of Seven are: A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Arthur Lismer, Franz Johnston, Frederick Varley, and Franklin Carmichael. In addition to the founding members later on three artists were invited to join the Group: A. J. Casson, Edwin Holgate and LeMoine FitzGerald.
Their first exhibition as the Group of Seven was in May 1920 at the Toronto Art Gallery. Prior to forming the Group these artists worked collaboratively and exchanged ideas for a number of years. Even though he was not a member of the Group, Tom Thomson, who tragically (and mysteriously) died in the summer of 1917 in the Algonquin Park accident, was affiliated with the aforementioned artists and worked on the same ideas and themes, creating the new and unique style of depicting the Canadian landscape in painting. Had he lived he would have been part of the Group. Therefore, his early influence and connection to these artists cannot go unmentioned.
Part of the Group's approach was to travel into nature and explore and capture the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. They spent time in the north, far from cities, painting and sketching, going back to their studios and working on larger paintings based on these drawings and sketches. The beauty of the untouched landscape of Northern Ontario brought them to the Algoma Region.
MacDonald, J.E.H.
Humber Flats 1912 Oil on Pressed board Image: 21 x 26.2 cm Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; Acquired with funds from the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Communication and Wintario |
MacDonald, J.E.H.
Solemn Land Circa 1919 Oil on Board 21.3 x 26.7 cm Image: 20.3 x 25.4 cm Collection of the Art Gallery of Algoma; Gift of the Great Lakes Power Corporation |
Following the brutality, sadness, violence, devastation and tragedy of the First World War, as well as the tragic death of Tom Thomson, they found healing and inspiration in the beauty of Algoma. Their first trip to Algoma was in May 1918 when Harris and Dr. MacCallum (their long-time supporter) took the CPR train to Sault Ste. Marie. Following that they boarded the Algoma Central Railway (ACR) and traveled north into the Algoma region. Later the same year, in early September, another trip took place. This time it was Harris, MacDonald, Johnston and Dr. MacCallum who took the trip, first to the Sault and then on a specially equipped boxcar to a northbound ACR train to the Agawa Canyon, eventually ending the trip at Batchawana.
The impact made on them by the Algoma landscape was enormous. To quote from Ross King's book, Defiant Spirits the Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven, MacDonald wrote to his wife Joan on September 11 that “It is a land of Dante’s heart”, describing how Algoma had “all the attributes of an imagined Paradise”, with the sky and “that smooth shimmering infinity of waters” resembling “a glimpse of God himself”.[1] This was not the only trip the Group took to Algoma but it does illustrate the impact this natural beauty had on these artists, as it remained a source of their inspiration.
Their contribution to the formation of Canadian art history is huge. However, it goes beyond that – they helped define Canadian identity and national pride. They wanted to make Canadian citizens feel at home in their new country, so they attempted to create art that would be distinctively Canadian.
The inspiration of the Group of Seven and the Algoma region are still alive. Both continue to be a source of inspiration for artists. The Art Gallery of Algoma currently has on display a contemporary exhibition by artist Diana Thorneycroft, called Group of Seven Awkward Moments, which is inspired by the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson. Her work further explores the themes of Canada, its myths, legends and national icons. Incorporating Group of Seven images as background and creating new and awkward moments into the pristine landscape, Thorneycroft brings these iconic images to the contemporary discussion of the meaning of being Canadian.
We are privileged to live in the Algoma region which still represents the vision of Canada for the world.
[1] Ross King, Defiant Spirits the Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Douglas & McIntyre, 2011, p. 286.
The impact made on them by the Algoma landscape was enormous. To quote from Ross King's book, Defiant Spirits the Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven, MacDonald wrote to his wife Joan on September 11 that “It is a land of Dante’s heart”, describing how Algoma had “all the attributes of an imagined Paradise”, with the sky and “that smooth shimmering infinity of waters” resembling “a glimpse of God himself”.[1] This was not the only trip the Group took to Algoma but it does illustrate the impact this natural beauty had on these artists, as it remained a source of their inspiration.
Their contribution to the formation of Canadian art history is huge. However, it goes beyond that – they helped define Canadian identity and national pride. They wanted to make Canadian citizens feel at home in their new country, so they attempted to create art that would be distinctively Canadian.
The inspiration of the Group of Seven and the Algoma region are still alive. Both continue to be a source of inspiration for artists. The Art Gallery of Algoma currently has on display a contemporary exhibition by artist Diana Thorneycroft, called Group of Seven Awkward Moments, which is inspired by the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson. Her work further explores the themes of Canada, its myths, legends and national icons. Incorporating Group of Seven images as background and creating new and awkward moments into the pristine landscape, Thorneycroft brings these iconic images to the contemporary discussion of the meaning of being Canadian.
We are privileged to live in the Algoma region which still represents the vision of Canada for the world.
[1] Ross King, Defiant Spirits the Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Douglas & McIntyre, 2011, p. 286.
