Beloved for his sensitive and serene depictions of Manitoba, Winnipeg artist Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (1890–1956) was the last member to join the Group of Seven in 1932. Compared to the more outspoken members of the Group, FitzGerald’s voice was a quieter one, his legacy including both his stewardship of the Winnipeg School of Art (1929-1947) and the development of the WAG. He had his first show at the Gallery in 1921 and went on to become one of Canada’s best known early modernist painters.
FitzGerald’s life-long practice of making drawings, prints, and paintings deserves a closer look as we evolve our understanding of the trajectories of Canadian art. Like Canadian artists David Milne and Jack Chambers, FitzGerald’s deeply contemplative art renders the everyday miraculous, at times suggesting portals to the infinite. This exhibition gathers more than 200 works and is presented by the WAG in partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Here’s a sneak peek of Into the Light!
L.L. FitzGerald
Rooted in his native city of Winnipeg, Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (1890–1956) worked almost exclusively in Manitoba, where he captured the essence of the prairie in his art. Although he accepted the Group of Seven’s invitation to become a member in 1932, FitzGerald was less concerned than the group was to promote issues of Canadian identity. Instead he explored his surroundings, delving deeply into the forces he felt animated and united nature in order to make “the picture a living thing.” Quiet in personality and passionate about art, FitzGerald inspired a generation of students at the Winnipeg School of Art.
Timeline
1906
FitzGerald wins second prize at Winnipeg Industrial Exhibition with Drawing – Copy
1911
FitzGerald exhibits professionally for the first time at a public library in a group show organized by the Women’s Art Association
Financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.
Exhibition Supporters
IN THE NEWS
- April 6, 2020: Winnipeg Free Press: WAG celebrates artist who immortalized the province
- May 17, 2020: Galleries West: Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald – A show by the last member of the Group of Seven opens in Winnipeg, two months late, as an important centenary passes largely unheralded
- June 3, 2020: CBC Arts: When this curator moved to Winnipeg, Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald’s paintings came alive
Stories
Thursday, Apr 2 '20
FitzGerald, Prairie Artist
If you have spent time in Western Canada, you have most likely seen a painting by Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (Winnipeg, 1890-1956), and you may be...Friday, Apr 3 '20
Sneak Peek! Into the Light: LL FitzGerald
Today we would have opened our newest exhibition Into the Light: LL FitzGerald, organized by the WAG in partnership with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. While...Monday, Apr 13 '20
Art Inspired Activity
Introduction to Activity: Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald is one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated artists. FitzGerald is said to have been a shy and introverted individual. Some...Monday, Apr 13 '20
Activité d'inspiration artistique
Introduction à l’activité: Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald est l’un des artistes les plus célèbres de Winnipeg. FitzGerald aurait été un individu timide et introverti. Certaines de...Tuesday, Apr 14 '20
My Daily Art
On April 2 we opened the exhibition Into the Light: Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald to an audience of one – the security officer on duty that morning....Wednesday, Apr 15 '20
My Daily Art
Same artist two days in a row – but Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald (1890-1956) deserves it this time around. Imagine working on a retrospective exhibition for...Monday, Apr 20 '20
Art Inspired Activity
Cardboard Building Lesson Drawings and paintings by L.L. FitzGerald were heavily influenced by his surroundings, his home, and the houses in his neighbourhood of St. James...Thursday, May 7 '20
Into the Light with Riva Symko
Riva Symko, Head of Collections & Exhibitions and Curator of Canadian Art at the WAG tells us about the exhibition, Into the Light: LL FitzGerald,...Thursday, May 28 '20
Senator Patricia Bovey on Into the Light: L.L. FitzGerald
In this six-part video series, hear from The Honourable Patricia Bovey, FRSA, FCMA, Senator for Manitoba and Director Emerita Winnipeg Art Gallery, as she visits...Thursday, Jul 23 '20
A New Take on Lionel LeMoine FitzGerald
In these two videos, hear from Dr. Oliver Botar, Professor of Art History at the University of Manitoba School of Art, for a fascinating video...WAG-Qaumajuq is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit.
