Browsing the library shelves at the University of Alberta Library can be a fairly daunting process. We have eight library locations spread across three campuses! Where to begin? We also have access to physical resources at our partner NEOS libraries. This virtual book display touches on one subject and is a sampling to get you started.
Canadian women artists in the early 20th century were rarely given the same recognition as their male counterparts. They were assigned domestic roles and even their political status was still being debated. In Canada women were granted legal personhood in 1929 and voting rights across all provinces by 1940 – a right that was extended to all Indigenous people only in 1960. Despite the barriers and hurdles they faced, Canadian women artists succeeded in developing a unique vision of the subjects and land around them.
Let’s have a look at their lives and their art in this sampling from our shelves:
Open Access Resources:
The National Film Board’s “By Woman’s Hand” explores the friendships and mutual support of the young women artists we now call the Beaver Hall Hill Group.
Do you have time for a quick 10 minute film? Have a look at the “I Can Make Art ” series also from the National Film Board. Intended for a younger audience, these are nonetheless a great introduction. They describe the art and creative styles of Emily Carr, Marcelle Ferron and Maud Lewis.
I came across a wonderful website – Art Institute of Canada which provides open access biographies on Canadian artists!
Another great open access resource is the Canadian Women Artists History Initiative. It is a database of Canadian women artists born before 1930 and women architects born before 1965. Each entry contains a short biography and a complete bibliography.
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As always, if you are in need of help with any of your library searches… ASK US!
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