General Idea

Monet Cane

1989

General Idea was founded in 1967 in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant contribution to postmodern and conceptual art in Canada and beyond. The trio was both prolific and multi-disciplinary long before it became de rigueur. They worked across a wide range of media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, installations, multiples, and performance. With their subversive approach and interest in parody and appropriation, General Idea addressed a broad range of social (and art-world) issues such as the cult of the artist, mass media, queer identity, and consumerism. Thematic continuity was a key element for General Idea, who utilized longevity as an avenue to delve deeper into, build upon, and evolve with the complex and nuanced subject matter they took on. “Monet Cane” is an extraordinary example of General Idea’s use of iconography, appropriation, (and mischief) from this era. Beginning in the early 1980s, General Idea began using the poodle as an emblem for the trio, quickly elevating it to one of the most dominant motifs in their practice. Both single poodles, and trios (which would be a sort of group self-portrait) appeared frequently in a variety of artwork during their last decade of production. The 80's was a decade that saw appropriation flourish in the visual arts. General Idea made a significant contribution to this trend. While many of their contemporaries used mass-market images or objects (think Barbara Kruger, Jeff Koons, and Richard Prince) General Idea did not restrict themselves to accessible imagery but also claimed canonical images and blue-chip references. General Idea created two major series of paintings featuring the trio of poodles; in pastels (which were often bleached in a commercial washing machine) and in neon colors. This painting is exceptionally rare as it is one of four paintings made with this distinct flecked surface. This unique texture is a significant (and beautiful) anomaly at odds with their predominantly flat and graphic aesthetic. The surface of the canvas is enveloped in tiny, weighted flecks of paint that have been layered to create an incredible texture. This application of paint, which appears to be chenille-like, recalls both the atmospheric pastel palette and impressionistic effects made famous by Claude Monet. "Monet Cane" can not only be contextualized with other poodle paintings...

Tony Scherman (1950 - 2023) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work, typically executed in encaustic, a mix of wax an...

Charles Pachter (b. 1942) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. His iconic, uplifting and patriotic images have independently earned their place in the natio...

Tony Scherman (1950-2023) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work in encaustic (a mix of wax and oil, one of the most...

Charles Pachter (b. 1942) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. His iconic, uplifting and patriotic images have independently earned their place in museums across the country. Pachter’s artworks, and unique version of Pop Art, have confirmed his position in the canon of 20th century Canadian art. Pachter’s most cherished images take archetypes of Canadiana -- the barn, Queen Elizabeth, and the moose, -- and depict them with a distinct style, a fresh palette (and often through a humorous lens). “Mini Blue Barn...

Cathy Daley (1955-2022) was a beloved Toronto-based artist who began receiving international attention in the late 1980‘s for her signature depictions of the female form. Her most i...

MARC GONZ   THE HIDDEN GAZE     When confronted with the universe of Marc Gonz, we discover creations that seem to be the result of a working session of a hyperactive action painter ...

Fresco. 2001, canvas, mixed media, 46x38 cm Ieva Iltnere (b. 1957) entered the Latvian art scene in the early 1980s. Together with other young painters of her generation she attracted much attention and radically changed prevailing conceptions about the Latvian figural painting. The fame of this generation of artists has not diminished since that time. In 1988 Ieva Iltnere took part in the young artists’ exhibition “Post-Traditionalism” at the Central Artists’ House in Moscow as well as in the exhibition “Riga – Lettische Avantgarde” at the Staatliche Kunsthalle in Berlin. It was the first important show of Latvian avant-garde art in Western Europe. In 1990 Ieva Iltnere and her like-minded contemporaries participated in the famous exhibition-action “Gentle Fluctuations” at the Exhibition Hall Latvija in Riga. This exhibition encouraged radical aspirations of the young painters’ group and promoted the adoption of new influences in Latvian art. In 1992 there was Ieva Iltnere and Jānis Mitrēvics’ joint exhibition “Works” and in 1994 – her solo exhibition “School” at the Art Museum Arsenāls. She took part in important Latvian art exhibitions at the Zvolle City Museum (2002), Frauen Museum in Bonn (1992), Grand Salle de l’Aubette in Strasbourg, Maison du Danemark in Paris (1997), Städtische Galerie im Buntentor in Bremen, etc. Ieva Iltnere is one of the most outstanding and creative artists of her generation. Her art is able to communicate great, significant ideas, important to both the individual and the society in general, through intimate subject matter. Iltnere has created a particular imagery that clearly marks her individual style. Her early works deal with themes of family, mother and child, depiction of intimate aspects of life. The artist raised everyday phenomena to the level of sacredness. Today the artist synthesizes traditional means of painting and conceptual approach, inspired by different cultures, Western avant-garde art of the 20th century and Biblical themes (solo exhibition “Stories”, 2002). Iltnere’s paintings feature subdued colouring and discrete intonation. The artist pays particular attention to light and composition. Each work is endowed with a personal touch. Iltnere’s works are found in collections of the Latvian National Museum of Art (previous title - State Museum of Art), the Artists’ Union of Latvia Museum (Riga), the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), Ludwig Museum (Aachen, Germany), Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum (New Jersey, USA) as well as in private collections in Latvia and abroad. Selected solo exhibitions: 2008 "Beautiful fragile nature", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2007 "Eight Rooms", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2004 "The Happy Childhood", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia 2003 "Ieva's Painting", Gallery NoMi, St. Petersburg / Russia "My Room", Gallery Centrs, Riga / Latvia 2002 "Stories", Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia* 2001 "Ieva Iltnere's United Images", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1999 "Papers and Canvases", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1998 "Paintings of Paris", Gallery Daugava, Riga / Latvia 1997 "Oil", Gallery Bastejs, Riga / Latvia 1994 "School", Art Museum Arsenāls, Riga / Latvia* 1993 Riga Gallery, Riga / Latvia Gallery G&G, Riga / Latvia* 1992 "Works", Art Museum Arsenāls, Riga / Latvia (together with Jānis Mitrēvics)* "Four New Paintings", Gallery Kolonna, Riga / Latvia 1989 Gallery Baltasar, Gothenburg / Sweden (together with Ivars Poikāns)* Selected group exhibitions: 2008 12th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* Rauma Biennale Balticum 08 "Flower Power", Rauman Taidemuseo, Rauma Art Museum/ Finland 2007 11th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* 2005 9th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* 2004 8th International Contemporary Art Exhibition "Art Moscow", Central House of Artists, Moscow / Russia* "The Rape of Europe", Eskilstuna Art Museum, Eskilstuna / Sweden* 2003 "Labyrinth", Gallery Vartai, Vilnius / Lithuania...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

tony hernandez was born in Atlanta in 1964 and has been painting professionally since 1988. while he is a southern artist, his works are far from the re...

The focal point of the artwork, the man's free-flowing dreadlocks, serves as a potent symbol of individuality and cultural diversity. In many cultures, dreadlocks have deep-rooted historical and spiritual significance, representing a unique connection to heritage, self-expression, and identity. By emphasizing the man's hair in the portrait, Adetula calls attention to the fact that discrimination often arises from superficial judgments based on appearance, whether it be hairstyles, clothing choices, or language differences. The artwork's title, "I Need Some Love," conveys a heartfelt plea for compassion and understanding. It reminds us that discrimination and prejudice have no place in a harmonious and inclusive society. Adetula's creation urges us to break free from these harmful mindsets and cultivate a culture of empathy and acceptance toward one another. The message of the artwork resonates strongly with the call to let love prevail, irrespective of one's origin or outward appearance. Discrimination, whether conscious or unconscious, hinders our collective progress as a society. It erects barriers between individuals and communities, fostering mistrust and animosity. Adetula's artwork encourages us to dismantle these barriers and build bridges instead. Embracing diversity enriches our lives, broadens our perspectives, and fosters a climate of respect and unity. The man's free-flowing dreadlocks symbolize the beauty of embracing cultural differences and recognizing the uniqueness that each individual brings to the table. Moreover, "I Need Some Love" emphasizes the power of love as a transformative force. The artwork reminds us that by approaching others with love, compassion, and understanding, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. Correcting people with love, rather than judgment or hostility, allows us to foster meaningful connections and open up constructive dialogues, thereby nurturing a culture of growth and understanding. The man depicted in the artwork is a poignant reminder that every person deserves happiness and love, irrespective of their appearance, background, or language. Embracing diversity not only enhances our interpersonal relationships but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole. When we treat one another with kindness and empathy, we foster a sense of belonging and acceptance that empowers individuals to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. In conclusion, "I Need Some Love" by Michael Adetula...