Discovering Oscar Cahén Opens in Calgary

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Oscar Cahén "Traumoeba, FAO 036," 1956

oil on masonite, 36" x 48"

Calgary's TrépanierBaer Gallery will celebrate the opening of Discovering Oscar Cahén, an exhibition featuring a selection of rarely seen work by the founding member of Painters Eleven, on Oct. 19.

 It is the Toronto artist's first comprehensive exhibition in Western Canada. The opening, which runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. will be attended by his son, Michael Cahén, of The Cahén Archives.

The show features 26 paintings and drawings spanning 1948 to 1956 that are lush in colour and rich in compositional detail.

Cahén used colour forcefully, often within the context of daring compositions. Tom Hodgson, a fellow member of Painters Eleven, described Cahén as "the best colourist anywhere.” 

Cahén arrived in Québec from Europe in 1940 as an unwilling refugee. Within a few years, the vibrant and emotionally complex artist would broaden the scope of illustration and painting in Canada.

He died suddenly in 1956 in an automobile accident, after rising as a celebrated illustrator, as well a major influence on fellow abstract painters.

For more information, click here.

Source: TrépanierBaer Gallery