Greg Curnoe
(1936–)
(–1992)
Greg Curnoe
1936–1992
Greg Curnoe (1936–1992) was a renowned Canadian painter who played a significant role in establishing London Regionalism, a political art movement in Canada during the 1960s. His exceptional talent and unique artistic vision helped to make London, Ontario, a thriving hub for creative expression. Curnoe's artwork spans various mediums and delves deeply into his daily experiences with great depth and creativity. Additionally, his pieces often include text that expresses his strong Canadian patriotism and support for Canadian artists.
Curnoe's artistic journey began in 1954 when he decided to pursue cartooning. He enrolled in the Special Art Program at H.B. Beal Technical and Commercial High School in London, Ontario, where he was exposed to various avant-garde art and literature. He delved into movements like Dada, Cubism, and Surrealism, as well as influential authors and composers. Curnoe was deeply committed to learning and refining the techniques and styles of these disciplines, which ultimately influenced his creative vision and inspired many of his later works.
While active in London’s art scene, Curnoe co-founded publications and galleries and played a role in establishing CARFAC. Some of Curnoe's career highlights include representing Canada at the 1976 Venice Biennale and having a retrospective exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1981 that traveled throughout the country. Curnoe died in 1992 at the age of 55 following a cycling accident.