Greg Curnoe was a Canadian artist who played a significant role in the development of the country's art scene during the 1960s and 1970s. He was a founding member of the Artists' Forum, a collective that aimed to promote and support contemporary art in Canada. Curnoe was a prolific artist who worked in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media. He was particularly known for his Pop-Art-style paintings, which often depicted everyday objects and figures in bold, bright colors. Curnoe was also a politically engaged artist, and his work often reflected his interest in Canadian identity and regionalism. He was a vocal advocate for Canadian culture and heritage, and his writing on these subjects was widely respected. Curnoe's Defence of Region series of lithographs and paintings, which depicted the landscapes and cultural icons of southwestern Ontario, is perhaps his most famous work. In addition to his artistic practice, Curnoe was also an important figure in the Canadian art community. He was a frequent exhibitor and participant in art events, and he was known for his critical writing on contemporary art. Curnoe was also a mentor to many younger artists, and his influence can be seen in the work of several generations of Canadian artists. Despite his many accomplishments, Curnoe's life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a cycling accident in 1992. However, his legacy lives on through his art and writing, which continue to be studied and exhibited around the world.
Greg Curnoe, Canadian artist, Artists' Forum, Pop-Art, Canadian identity, regionalism, Defence of Region, lithographs, critical writing, mentorship, legacy
CITATION : "Michael Davis. 'Greg Curnoe.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=251436 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
Greg Curnoe was an iconic Canadian artist and a founding member of the art collective known as the Artists’ Forum. Based in London, Ontario, Curnoe was a highly prolific visual artist, who specialized in painting, printmaking, photography, and mixed media artworks. He is best known for his Pop-Art-style paintings, which often depicted everyday objects and figures in bright, bold colors. He also produced several politically-charged works, with his “Defence of Region” series of lithographs and paintings being a particularly well-known example. Curnoe was also a noted critic and writer, who wrote extensively on matters of Canadian art, literature and heritage. He unfortunately passed away in 1992, but his work continues to be exhibited in collections and museums around the world.
Greg Curnoe, Canadian Art, Pop Art, Visual Art, Mixed Media, London, Ontario
— Mei Wang
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