Explore the thought-provoking works of Greg Constantine in Van Gogh and Picasso Visit America
The Kawartha Art Gallery is thrilled to announce a captivating new exhibit, 'Van Gogh and Picasso Visit America,' showcasing 12 thought-provoking works by the esteemed artist Greg Constantine, drawn directly from our cherished Permanent Collection. This exhibition is not merely a display of art; it's an invitation to embark on a visual journey where historical artistic giants collide with contemporary political and cultural landscapes.
This is not simply art for art's sake; it's art as a mirror, reflecting our world back to us with unflinching honesty and a touch of surreal brilliance.
The Kawartha Art Gallery's Permanent Collection is a treasure trove of artistic expression, and this exhibit highlights the depth and breadth of its holdings. By showcasing Greg Constantine's work, we're not only celebrating a remarkable artist but also reaffirming our commitment to providing our community with access to art that stimulates thought, provokes conversation, and enriches our understanding of the world around us.
ABOUT GREG CONSTANTINE
Greg Constantine is a Canadian-born artist and writer celebrated for his distinctive fusion of art and literature. Born in 1938 in Windsor, Ontario, Constantine later became a U.S. citizen and developed an artistic career that has spanned more than five decades. He is best known for his imaginative series of paintings and books that reimagine the lives and works of famous artists and writers, bringing a sense of playful narrative to the history of creative genius.
Constantine received his formal art education at the University of Windsor and Michigan State University, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts. His early works reflected an interest in Pop Art and Surrealism, movements that would continue to influence his career as he developed a distinctive style marked by artistic narrative and whimsical humor.
Throughout the 1970s and '80s, Constantine published several critically acclaimed books that merged fiction, biography, and visual art. Titles such as Vincent van Gogh Visits New York and Leonardo Visits Los Angeles whimsically imagined great artists transported into contemporary settings, offering new, often satirical perspectives on modern culture and the timelessness of creativity. His works have been praised for their wit, intelligence, and unique blending of disciplines.
Constantine’s paintings and illustrations have been exhibited widely in galleries and museums across North America and Europe. For forty-three years, Constantine taught painting, drawing, and art history at Andrews University. Now retired from teaching, he continues to create, write, and exhibit his work.
ABOUT OUR PERMANENT COLLECTION
Incorporated in 1976 as a not-for-profit charity, Kawartha Art Gallery is the only public Art Gallery in the City of Kawartha Lakes by virtue of our provincial designation and the Permanent Collection.
One of the first goals for the Gallery back in 1976 was to acquire an outstanding permanent collection of Canadian artworks. These artworks would be housed and taken care of by the Gallery but would belong to the citizens of the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The Collection now numbers over one hundred artworks by Canadian artists of regional and international recognition, including six original artworks by the Group of 7 artist, A. J. Casson.
The Collection is on display year-round in the Gallery and we welcome you to visit the Gallery, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, to get to know your Permanent Collection.