Charles Daudelin, born in 1920 in Granby, Quebec, is a significant figure in Canadian art, known for his versatility across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Daudelin’s journey into the art world began with his studies under the influential Paul-Émile Borduas at the École du Meuble in Montreal from 1939 to 1943. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic direction, as Borduas was a leading figure in the Canadian modern art movement, and his mentorship would leave a lasting impact on Daudelin’s approach to art.
Daudelin's artistic education continued internationally, where he studied under renowned artists Fernand Léger in New York in 1943 and 1944 and later in Paris on a Quebec Government Scholarship from 1946 to 1948. In Paris, he also apprenticed with the sculptor Henri Laurens, further refining his skills in sculpture and developing his distinctive style. These experiences broadened his artistic horizons, introducing him to the vibrant modern art scene in Europe and the United States, which influenced his later works.
Back in Montreal, Daudelin was associated with the Sagittaire group in 1943, a collective of artists that contributed to the avant-garde art movement in Canada. His early career was diverse; he worked as a goldsmith with Gilles Beaugrand in Montreal from 1939 to 1941 and apprenticed with Louis Parent at Maîtrise d'Art in Montreal from 1942 to 1943. This hands-on experience with different materials and techniques would be a hallmark of his later works, which often combined various forms and functions.
Throughout his career, Daudelin exhibited a wide range of works, including oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, ceramic sculptures, marionettes, jewelry, and more. He was known for his collaborations with architects, where he carried out commissions for murals, reliefs, and sculptures, integrating his art into public spaces. From 1943 to 1963, he held numerous solo and group exhibitions, showcasing his versatility and creativity across different mediums.
One of Daudelin’s most significant periods of work was between 1963 and 1967 when he focused on creating public art installations. Notable among these were the decorations and articles for worship at Saint-Jean Church in Montreal, the concrete murals for St. Thomas Church in St. Lambert, and the aluminum reliefs for the Montreal subway. His works during this period demonstrated his ability to merge art with architecture, creating pieces that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional within their environments.
In 1966, Daudelin completed a monumental fountain sculpture in cast iron for the City Hall in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This 12-ton sculpture is a testament to his mastery of scale and material, combining the robustness of cast iron with the fluidity of his artistic vision. Another significant work from this period is his cast bronze sculpture for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, located on the south terrace facing Slater Street. This piece, when illuminated at night, casts a tree-shaped shadow against the south wall of the Centre, blending harmoniously with the building’s architecture.
Daudelin’s contributions to public art continued with his bronze sculpture for Expo '67 in Montreal and numerous other commissions throughout his career. His work at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montreal, where he taught from 1964 to 1968, and later at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi and Montreal, helped shape the next generation of Canadian artists. His influence extended beyond his creations, impacting the broader art community through his teaching and mentorship.
Recognition of Daudelin’s work came in the form of several prestigious awards. He won the Prize for Painting at the Quebec Provincial Competition in 1946 and for Sculpture in 1964. He was also awarded Canada Council grants multiple times between 1968 and 1973, and in 1973, he received the Medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, acknowledging his contributions to integrating art with architecture.
Daudelin’s work is represented in major collections, including the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Musée du Québec, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Musée d'art contemporain in Montreal, among others. His legacy is that of an artist who seamlessly blended traditional techniques with modernist principles, creating works that are both deeply rooted in Canadian culture and universal in their appeal.
Charles Daudelin passed away in 2001, but his contributions to Canadian art continue to be celebrated. His work remains a testament to his skill, creativity, and the impact of his art on public spaces and the broader cultural landscape of Canada.
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