William Townsend (British, 1909-1973) came to Canada for the first time in 1951 to teach painting in Banff, Alberta. For the rest of his life he returned repeatedly to teach in Alberta, surveying the state of contemporary painting across the country while en route. Sharing lessons of modern painting from London, Townsend promoted Canadian art and artists internationally.
Townsend’s legacy includes a collection of modern paintings of the Canadian West and a lifetime of journals detailing his travels, works and artistic encounters. He captured the scale and quality of Alberta’s landscape, both its urban and mountain terrains, using abstract shapes and vivid colouring. Featuring paintings of Edmonton and the Rocky Mountains from the artist’s estate, and informed by journal entries about Canada, this exhibition celebrates Townsend’s legacy.
Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta. Curated by Laura Ritchie. Presented by Capital Powered Art, an exhibition series sponsored by Capital Power Corporation.