In a remarkable celebration of one of Canada’s most visionary artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery unveils Riopelle: Crossroads in Time—a sweeping retrospective that honours the legacy and creative spirit of Jean Paul Riopelle (1923–2002). Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada as part of the Jean Paul Riopelle Centenary, this landmark exhibition invites audiences to immerse themselves in five decades of innovation, experimentation, and artistic brilliance.
With nearly 100 works drawn from public and private collections across Canada and abroad, the exhibition is the most comprehensive survey of Riopelle’s oeuvre ever mounted in Vancouver. From early abstract paintings to his late-career mixed media creations, Crossroads in Time is a journey through the constantly evolving mind of a trailblazing artist who defied convention and challenged the boundaries of modern art.
A Bold Vision, A Global Legacy
Jean Paul Riopelle occupies a singular place in Canadian and international art history. A founding member of Les Automatistes, his early work embraced spontaneity and the subconscious, laying the foundation for a career defined by fearless innovation. By the 1950s, Riopelle had developed his distinctive mosaic style, applying thick swathes of paint with a palette knife to create textured, dynamic compositions that drew global attention. Works such as La Roue II (1956) and Chicago II (1958) stand as powerful testaments to his explosive creativity during this period.
Curated by acclaimed art historian and independent researcher Dr. Sylvie Lacerte, the exhibition presents Riopelle’s work through a fresh interpretive lens, one that underscores his enduring commitment to artistic freedom. “Jean Paul Riopelle was the first post-war Canadian artist to achieve international status,” says Lacerte. “He is a pillar of our history, who has left in his wake a multifaceted body of work that encourages pushing past boundaries, and this is perhaps his greatest legacy.”
A Chronological Journey Through Five Decades
Riopelle: Crossroads in Time is organized chronologically, offering a clear and compelling narrative of the artist’s development across various mediums. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages, and prints are brought together in an engaging visual symphony that captures the vast scope of Riopelle’s creativity.
Noteworthy highlights include early works from the 1940s that reveal the influence of Surrealism and Les Automatistes, as well as vibrant examples from his signature 1950s period. As viewers move through the decades, they encounter Riopelle’s forays into bronze sculpture, his contemplative works inspired by the Far North in the 1970s, and his exuberant final pieces, which incorporate spray paint and glitter—a daring departure that demonstrates the artist’s refusal to remain static.
Anchored in Canadian Culture, Revered Worldwide
The exhibition also explores Riopelle’s relationships with contemporaries such as Alberto Giacometti, Sam Francis, and Françoise Sullivan, offering insights into the artistic exchanges that influenced his creative process. Through these connections, the exhibition situates Riopelle within a broader cultural dialogue while reaffirming his place as a Canadian icon.
Michael Audain, Chair of The Audain Foundation and cofounder of the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation, has been instrumental in the centenary celebrations. “I consider Jean Paul Riopelle to be one of the greatest Canadian artists of all time,” he notes. “Over the past five years, the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation curated an exceptional program to mark the centenary of his birth… We consider this to be our collective duty of memory.”
His sentiments are echoed by Anthony Kiendl, former CEO and Executive Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, who expresses gratitude to The Audain Foundation for enabling the exhibition to travel to British Columbia. “We are grateful to our presenting sponsor, The Audain Foundation, who made it possible to give Vancouver audiences this incredible opportunity to experience Riopelle’s remarkable work and the new perspectives that the exhibition offers.”
Restored Masterpieces and Rarely Seen Works
Among the exhibition’s many treasures are two standout works from the Vancouver Art Gallery’s permanent collection: Sous le Mythe de Gitskan No. 3 (1956) and Figure libre-Parure (1967). The latter underwent meticulous conservation in preparation for the exhibition, ensuring that its vibrant surface and intricate textures could be fully appreciated. This thoughtful restoration speaks to the care and dedication behind the exhibition’s curatorial vision.
Equally compelling is the inclusion of rarely exhibited pieces that have remained out of the public eye for decades. These works offer a more intimate view into Riopelle’s lesser-known explorations, providing both longtime admirers and new audiences with a deeper understanding of his multifaceted career.
An Exhibition That Transcends Time
True to its title, Crossroads in Time is not only a reflection of Riopelle’s artistic journey, but also a meditation on his enduring relevance. Through his radical techniques, global influence, and unwavering pursuit of creative autonomy, Riopelle left a legacy that continues to resonate across generations.
Visitors to the Vancouver Art Gallery will find themselves immersed in a world where abstraction, emotion, and cultural exchange converge. The accompanying exhibition catalogue, a beautifully designed hardcover volume edited by Sylvie Lacerte, further enriches the experience with essays from distinguished artists and art historians who reflect on Riopelle’s impact.
Riopelle: Crossroads in Time is on view at the Vancouver Art Gallery from March 21 to September 1, 2025. For anyone with an appreciation of art’s power to inspire, challenge, and transcend, this exhibition offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to encounter one of Canada’s most iconic creative forces.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].
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