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Canadian Painting in the Thirties brings to life an important 1975 exhibition presented across the country by the National Gallery of Canada.  An innovative study of the period, this exhibition documents the development of Canadian modernist painting, from the nationalism of early schools of landscape painting to the international trends of the 1940s.

Explore the cultural, social, economic and political factors that influenced artistic life in Canada during the 1930s, as you browse through the original exhibition catalogue, installation photographs, and newspaper clippings. Watch a film and listen to interviews with the artists and their associates.

In addition to artworks featured in the original exhibition, Canadian Painting in the Thirties features many other related works from the National Gallery's collection.

Introduction Regionalist Manifestations in Quebec
Formation of the Canadian Group of Painters The Eastern Group and the Contemporary Arts Society
The Beaver Hall Group Canadian Painting in the Thirties in Context
The Canadian Group of Painters in British Columbia The 1975 Exhibition
The Independents Artist Interviews
New Developments in the Canadian Group of Painters Search the Collection

Artist Index

Use the artist index to find out about the artists and artworks in the collection. There’s so much more to see and learn!

Meet the Artist

Hear what artists have to say about their life and work, in these fascinating video clips.