Joyce Wieland (1931-1998) was one of the most accomplished and versatile Canadian artists of the 20th century. Emerging on the Toronto art scene at the beginning of the 1960s, over the course of her career Wieland explored the role of women, the body, nationalism, and intimacy using a variety of mediums.

While she experienced several professional "peaks and valleys", Wieland established new benchmarks for what was possible for a female artist to achieve. Notably, she was the first female artist to have a solo exhibition at the National Gallery (Ottawa) in 1971.

During the 1970's Wieland was consumed by creating a feature-length film entitled "The Far Shore" about Tom Thompson and a love triangle. For better or worse, Wieland's production of art was greatly reduced during the era because of her focus on the project. Gradually in the 80's Wieland became reunited and recommitted to her visual art production, and embraced mythology, feminist discourse, ecology and themes of sexuality and intimacy.

This untitled work is evocative of Wieland in the 1980's. It is richly colored and dynamic and conveys elements of fantasy and magic. This intimate yet intricate work is a fine example of Wieland's style and interests from the last period of her fascinating life.

Today, Wieland's works can be found in numerous public collections across Canada including the National Gallery, Museum London and the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto).

Framed with museum glass