RICHARD GORMAN. [b. 1935].

Born in Ottawa, Gorman received his first drawing instruction at Fisher Park High School under Robert Norgate. He later studied at the Ontario College of Art under Jock MacDonald and graduated in 1958. His early paintings were influenced by Van Gogh, the French Impressionists, the New York Expressionists, and by MacDonald. A non-objective abstract painter, Gorman also experimented with films (painstakingly drawing abstract images onto the single frame). Gorman exhibited at Isaacs Gallery [1959-60, 1962, 1964], Montreal Museum of Fine Arts [1964], Robert McLauglin Gallery, Oshawa [1990], Art Gallery of Ottawa [1996], etc. He participated in many group shows including "Three Canadians" at the Art Gallery of Toronto [1961]; First Biennial Winnipeg Show [1962]; National Gallery of Canada Biennial Exhibition of Graphics [1964]; and Trinity College, University of Toronto [1965]. He also received a number of awards and grants including: First Prize, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Spring Show [1961], and a prize at the Seventh International Black and White Exhibition at Lugano, Switzerland. His work is in numerous private, corporate, and public collections including: the National Gallery of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Queen's University, Kingston, Department of Transport (Edmonton Airport); Department of External Affairs, Ottawa; Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and Shanghai Art Museum, China. One of the few remaining painters from the classic Canadian abstract movement, he was represented by Lake Galleries for many years, and currently resides in Toronto.

Bibliography: MacDonald, “Dictionary of Canadian Artists” [vol. 2, 298-299].

Provenance: Private collection, Toronto.