The first exhibition of the A.K. Prakash Collection of works by James Wilson Morrice (1865-1924), one of Canada’s most celebrated modernist artists, will adorn the walls of this renowned institution soon.
Recently gifted to the National Gallery of Canada, the entire donation from the A.K. Prakash Collection of 49 works by James Morrice — 45 paintings in oil and four watercolors — will be on display. The exhibition, titled “James Wilson Morrice: The A.K. Prakash Collection in Trust to the Nation,” and the accompanying publication bring to life the passion of an avid collector and philanthropist, Ash K. Prakash, who was determined to understand and celebrate the artist’s legacy.
Via the NGC, “Taking visitors on a three-decade journey of collecting, this exhibition in the Masterpiece in Focus series explores the relationship between collector A.K. Prakash and his artist of choice, James Wilson Morrice, weaving the intricate story of the artist with that of the collector. Pioneering a fresh and vibrant use of colour, and known for his delicate handling of paint on small-scale wooden pochades, Morrice played a vital role in advancing modern artistic trends in Canada and abroad at the turn of the 20th century. The stories around his widespread travels and rise to fame as one of Canada’s most beloved modernist painters are shared through the passion of an avid collector who was determined to understand, celebrate, and preserve the artist’s legacy for all Canadians.”
To learn more, visit the National Gallery of Canada.
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