Rita Letendre (1928 - 2021) Artist Feature

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Rita Letendre, "Trombe," n. d.

oil on canvas, 13" x 11"

Rita Letendre (1928 - 2021) Artist Feature

Pioneer of Canadian abstract art and associate of the Automatistes, Rita Letendre, now hangs on our gallery walls. Recognized as one of Canada’s most influential female artists, Letendre received the Order of Canada in 2005 as, “one of the leading figures of contemporary painting in Canada.” Born in Drummondville, Quebec, the Abenaki and Québécois artist rose to prominence in the 1950’s, just passing this November at the age of 93.

“Painting, all forms of art, is an experience of wanting to communicate with others and affords us great freedom if we want it. I want it. I like risk. The risk of searching for things more profoundly...It is so amazing that everything that makes up a person also makes up the universe; it makes up colour, creates matter, and people.” - Rita Letendre

Housed in multiple national institutions, her artwork is included in the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the National Gallery of Canada. Find her painting, “Trombe (1959),” at the Petley Jones Gallery online or in person.