Kurelek Comes to Hamilton

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I've been given tickets to the opening of the William Kurelek exhibition at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on January 29. Titled "William Kurelek: the Messenger", it's the largest exhibition of this important Canadian Catholic painter's works ever launched, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his death (1977).


In his later years, Kurelek had a farm in Combermere, Ontario, near his friends at the Madonna House Apostolate. When my father was a young artist he met with Kurelek several times there. Kurelek gave him his accordion, which my younger brother learned to play.

Kurelek's work ranges from Canadiana - scenes of life from across the country - especially his prairie roots, overtly religious works, such as his "northern nativity" and Passion series, and those that he termed his "prophetic" and surrealist paintings.

Here's information on this exhibit, which will be in Hamilton, Ontario until April 29th, 2012, then at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, May 25 - Sept 3, 2012. http://kurelek.ca.


Polish Wedding (1977)

Manitoba Party (1964)

Ancient Beauty, Ever Old and Ever New (1975) 

This is the Nemesis (1965)



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