Jack Reppen

1933–1964

John Richard (Jack) Reppen (1933–1964) was a prominent Canadian painter, draftsman, cartoonist, muralist, sculptor, and commercial artist, born in Toronto. His best works develop a strong sense for texture and surface that often built on a matrix of gesso with collage elements.

Although he had a short life, Reppen’s contribution to modern art in Canada is considered significant. While attending evening courses at Ontario College of Art, he worked as a freelance cartoonist for firms like Toronto Daily Star and Prudential Life. From 1959, he devoted himself to his painting, exhibiting regularly in solo and group exhibitions. Two years later, Reppen travelled to Mexico and northern France, which had a profound influence on his imagery.

Reppen won the Baxter award at the OSA Ninetieth Annual exhibition and was elected as a member of the society. He has exhibited in several Canadian cities, such as Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Kitchener, and Toronto. Additionally, his work has been collected by various museums, including the National Gallery of Canada, and the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Artworks

Jack Reppen
(1933)
(1964)
Jack Reppen
(1933)
(1964)
Jack Reppen
(1933)
(1964)