Richard Lacroix
(1939–)
Richard Lacroix
1939–
Joseph Samuel Richard Lacroix (1939– ) is a Canadian engraver, painter, and sculptor. Lacroix graduated from the Institut des Arts Graphiques de Montréal in 1959 where he became versed in engraving techniques. He is the founder of Atelier Libre, the first print shop in Canada, established in Montreal in 1964. This pioneering initiative provided contemporary artists with access to printmaking facilities. Lacroix’s artworks display geometric shapes and abstract forms, demonstrating his technical skill. Lacroix emphasized the originality of engraving as a medium and worked tirelessly to raise public awareness about its importance.
Delving into etching, lithography, serigraphy, and wood engraving and honing his craftsmanship, he obtained teaching and aesthetic certifications from L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Institute des Arts Appliqués.
Lacroix co-founded Fusion des Arts in 1964, an artist collective in Montreal that aimed to connect art and society. In 1966, he established La Guilde Graphique, which initially served as a publishing house, distributor, dealer, and exhibition space for prints from Atelier Libre and eventually transformed into a dedicated platform for promoting and advancing printmaking.
Lacroix’s work has been exhibited globally. In 1984, he had a retrospective exhibition at the Guilde Graphique, showing his prints and paintings from 1959 to 1984. His art is featured in many public collections including the National Gallery of Canada, Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), and Victoria and Albert Museum.