Sam Borenstein, born in 1908 in Kalvaria, Lithuania, was a Canadian painter whose life and art were marked by resilience, passion, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. The youngest of fifteen children, Sam faced immense hardships from an early age. His mother’s death during the 1918 influenza pandemic left a deep void, and his father’s preoccupation with work left Sam feeling isolated. These early experiences in a politically tumultuous and war-torn region left an indelible mark on him, shaping the intensity and emotional depth that would later characterize his art. In 1921, at the age of 13, Sam emigrated to Montreal with his sister Sarah and his father, following four of his brothers who had already settled in Canada....
Paul-Émile Borduas, born in 1905 in St. Hilaire, Quebec, was a transformative figure in Canadian art, known for his radical ideas and significant contributions to the Automatiste movement. His early life, artistic journey, and eventual rise as a leading avant-garde artist in Quebec are marked by both struggle and triumph, making his legacy a cornerstone of modern Canadian art. Early Life and Influences Borduas was born into a modest family; his father, Magloire Borduas, was a carpenter and blacksmith, while his mother, Eva Perreault, was known in the community for her exceptional garden and education. From a young age, Borduas showed an interest in art, which was likely sparked by his bout with rheumatic fever at the age...
Jordi Bonet, a name synonymous with resilience, creativity, and artistic innovation, was born in 1932 in Barcelona, Spain. Despite facing significant challenges early in life, Bonet's journey to becoming a renowned painter, ceramist, sculptor, and muralist is a testament to his indomitable spirit and extraordinary talent. At the age of twelve, Bonet suffered a life-altering injury when complications from a broken arm led to the loss of his right arm. His father, a doctor, performed an emergency operation under challenging conditions to save his son's life. This traumatic experience did not deter Bonet from pursuing his passion for art. Instead, it became a driving force behind his determination to express himself creatively, despite the physical limitations he faced....
Molly Lamb Bobak, née en 1922 à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, était une peintre canadienne dont l’héritage est étroitement lié à ses réalisations artistiques et à son service pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Fille d’Harold Mortimer Lamb et d’Alice Mary Price, Molly a été initiée à l’art dès son plus jeune âge. Sa passion pour l’art a été nourrie par des cours du samedi matin à la Vancouver School of Art, et elle a ensuite poursuivi des études formelles dans cette école sous la direction d’artistes de renom tels que Jack Shadbolt et Charles H. Scott. Au cours de la troisième année de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la vie de Molly a pris un tournant important. Elle s'est enrôlée dans le...
Bruno Bobak, né Bronislav Joseph Bobak à Wawelowka, en Pologne, en 1923, est devenu l'un des peintres les plus éminents du Canada, reconnu pour sa contribution au patrimoine artistique du pays. Son histoire est celle de la résilience, de l'évolution artistique et du dévouement, façonnée à la fois par les troubles de la guerre et par la tranquillité de l'expression créative. Jeunesse et éveil artistique Le parcours de Bobak a commencé en 1925 lorsque sa famille a immigré au Canada et s'est installée en Ontario. Sa passion pour l'art s'est enflammée dès son plus jeune âge, avec une formation formelle débutée à l'âge de 13 ans sous la tutelle d'Arthur Lismer, membre du Groupe des Sept, lors de cours du...
