The 1960s transformed art in Canada. Scene traces the remarkable reshaping of the Canadian art landscape during that era. Written by renowned art critic Harry Malcolmson, the book offers a captivating insider’s perspective on how a surge of artists, galleries, collectors, and critics propelled Canadian art into the global spotlight.
Malcolmson identifies the catalysts that ignited this artistic renaissance, including an outpouring of pride in the country linked to Canada's Centennial, Expos ’67, and the Toronto City Hall. With rich anecdotes and insights, the book paints a comprehensive portrait of the era, while showcasing over twenty portraits of influential Canadian artists. Richly illustrated, the book illuminates the totality of the Scene’s evolution, and delves into the impact of Canadian nationalism and economic prosperity on the Scene. It examines the rise of contemporary institutions, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada, capturing the emergence of a modern Canadian identity. Ultimately, Scene stands as a unique testament to a pivotal moment in cultural history, capturing the essence of the most impactful decade in the history of art in Canada.
Harry Malcolmson is an art critic and a prominent collector of art and historical photography. Previously, he worked as a lawyer and was a regular contributor to publications such as the Toronto Telegram, Saturday Night, and Canadian Art. Together with Ann Malcolmson, he assembled The Malcolmson Collection, which spans the history of photography from the 1840s and is regarded as one of the most important collections of historical photography in Canada.
Hardcover
288 pages
Published April 2025 by
University of Toronto Press