August 21, 2002

1:58 PM

Oh No! Not Another Underrated Artist Who Was Ahead Of His Time... Oh yes: it's Tom Thompson(1877-1917). This time, though, the Internet has helped exact a sort of revenge. For those unlucky enough not to live in stately Ottawa and be able to visit the exhibition of the great colourist's work there (through September 8), someone has done a great job of presenting Thompson's paintings on the web, including a wonderful selection of merchandise and an appropriately quirky little quiz. So they do win a few, now and again...
posted by MiguelCardoso (8 comments total)

Oops, I forgot to say it requires Flash. Since I'm already here, for those in a hurry, here's the nifty capsule presentation of the exhibition.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 2:06 PM on August 21, 2002

Nice link, Miguel. I saw some of Thompson's work at a gallery in British Columbia a couple of years ago. I don't like landscapes as a general rule, but his work has a surreal quality to it that I like very much, and several pieces show a distinct Art Deco influence.
posted by MrBaliHai at 2:36 PM on August 21, 2002

Great link! I was not familiar with Thompson and now I am a fan. Seems to be the missing link between Schiele and Constable-- if that makes any sense!!

My favorite is this one

Thanks Miguel!
posted by cell divide at 2:48 PM on August 21, 2002

Of course, every good Canadian should also know the Tragically Hip's song about Tom Thompson, Three Pistols.

Cool. I'm heading back to Ottawa in a week, I'll have to check this out. Thanks MC.
posted by Succa at 2:59 PM on August 21, 2002

Really interesting stuff. His work seemed an extension of Van Gogh's color work. But then I looked at more works, and I could sense his graphic design background, much like Mucha's work, especially with the continuous lines outlining each object.

You're right, his colors are really amazing. I grew up in Minnesota, and made annual trips north near the US-Canada border. He captures the unique colors of the area. All kinds of memories triggered by his work.
posted by bullitt 5 at 7:40 PM on August 21, 2002

Nice post! Here is another gallery located in Kleinburg, ON, that hosts a large (permanent) collection of work by Tom Thomson and the group of seven.
posted by Bernese Mountain Dog at 8:03 PM on August 21, 2002

Good points, Bull, those are fascinating connections.

I tend to lump all of the "group of seven and friends" together as a bunch of dull Canadian landscape painters who were innovative, important, and unique in their time. On closer inspection however, Thomson's work stands above the rest.
posted by statisticalpurposes at 8:06 PM on August 21, 2002

I remember being pretty obsessed with a Tom Thompson book in our house as a kid.
posted by saltykmurks at 9:37 PM on August 21, 2002