Joyce Wieland (1931-1998) is one of the most accomplished and versatile Canadian artists. She achieved an exceptional level of commercial and critical success during her lifetime. Today Wieland continues to be influential in contemporary art practices not only for her artwork, but how an artist can fuse progressive ideologies with their artistic output. 

Wieland's career began as a commercial illustrator easily pivoting into painting, and later expanded to include a range of media and materials, notably film - both experimental shorts and a full feature film. 

Wieland’s works explored the role of women, the body, nationalism, and relationships. The content and pursuit of the majority of her works are inseparable from a feminist reading, and address subjecthood, identity and equality.

Wieland’s interest in our physical bodies is exemplified by this erotic and evocative drawing. Loose linework, recalling Matisse, defines the figures on the page, hinting at momentum that allows the viewer to build a narrative around their imagined actions. Portraying sexualized figures in a public space was a revolutionary and feminist action at this time (and today!) The depiction of nudes, including both male and female subjects, in nature, whether contemporary or classical, is a motif that Wieland explored throughout her career. 

In 1987 Wieland became the first living Canadian woman artist to be selected for a retrospective at the Art Gallery of Ontario (16 April - 28 June 1987). Wieland was also the first female artist to be selected for a solo exhibition at the National Gallery (Ottawa), in 1971. Today, her artworks are found in numerous private collections across Canada and internationally, Wieland is also pursued by many public collections, including the National Gallery, Museum London, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Questions about this piece?  or call 1.416.704.1720

Canada, circa 1962.

Pencil and white pastel on paper

9.25"W 7.5"H (work)