The Canadian art scene is often overlooked because its artists are often compared to their neighbors in the United States. However, some of the world’s best inventions have come from Canada.
Canadians created the zipper, the IMAX theaters, and the ebola vaccine, but their accomplishments reached further. This article will give praise to some impressive art studios and individual creatives that deserve an extra look.
Canadian Game Design Studio – Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is actually European, but they have opened up multiple studios all over the world. Their Canadian studio (British Columbia) marks their first outside of Europe. Their 16,000 square foot studio is located above the newly developed Anvil Centre, right beside Westminster Pier Park. The studio opened up this chapter to launch multiple live games, including Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat – all of which can be found on Casumo Casino. You can thank Canadian dealers and programmers for this expansion!
Canadian Dean of Faculty Design – Dr. Elizabeth Tunstall
OCAD University’s Dean of Faculty of Design went to Stanford to complete her Ph.D. in anthropology but decided that art was her true calling. Also known as #DeanDrag or Dori, her love for self-expression shows through her multiple wax-prints and her style of dress. She is often seen expressing her individuality by donning beautifully bright colors, large chunky jewelry, and pink lipstick. Dr. Elizabeth Tunstall uses social media to showcase her art and advocates for human, indigenous, and black rights at @deandori_ocadu. Check her out!
Candian Sculptor – David Altmejd
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Altmejd earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Montreal and received his Master at Columbia University two years later. He took part in many art shows such as Deitch Projects and Artist Space and was included in the Whitney Biennial of American Art. Although he currently lives in NewYork, he likes to represent Canada in festivals like at the Venice Biennale, where his project” The Index” was purchased by the Art Gallery of Ontario.
He uses wood, foam, plaster, and burlap to create his pieces that often represent sexual activity and love in multiple forms. David Altmejd’s artwork has appeared in Luxembourg, Paris, and Cleveland.
Canadian Up-And-Comer – Hajra Waheed
Calgary-born Hajra Waheed came from a family of artists, as her mother was an abstract painter herself. Hajra Waheed credited her mother as her most prolific inspiration and was the main reason she would draw for hours as a child. Waheed always loved to draw but decided to put her passion on the back burner to go to school and work a few odd jobs. Her work can be found at the MoMa, and the National Gallery of Canada and her artwork got her shortlisted for the 2016 Sobey Art Award. She was one of more than 90 artists that participated in the Toronto Biennial of Art.
Hajra Waheed’s art has been in multiple magazines, including Art Asia Pacific, and canadianart. She has an active Instagram page and website (@hajra.waheed), where she gives her fans monthly updates on her artwork and art shows.
Canadian Post-Impressionist Legend – Emily Carr
Emily Carr is one of Canada’s most celebrated artists and paved the way for many impressionists worldwide. In 1898 at the age of 27, she began drawing and painting near the west coast of Vancouver Island, home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people. It left a lasting impression on her, so much so that she adopted the Indigenous name Klee Wyck. To further her art education, she made a trip to France and soon learned post-impressionism.
On her return to Canada, she created multiple paintings, some with the famous Canadian art members, the Group of Seven. The Indian Church, Odds and Ends, and Blunden were painted in her early to late 50s, proving that anyone can create art at any age.