Presented by Signature Partner
Rita Letendre, Victoire, 1961. Oil on canvas, 202.6 x 268 cm. Art Gallery of Ontario. Gift of Jessie and Percy Waxer, 1974, Donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988. © Estate of Rita Letendre. Photo: AGO. L74.8
In 1962, legendary Canadian artist Rita Letendre (1928-2021) had her first solo exhibition in Toronto. It was a resounding success and the spark that inspired her subsequent relocation to Toronto and her illustrious, decades-long career. Among the works included in that exhibition were the AGO’s first two acquisitions of Letendre’s art, one of which is Victoire (1961). This painting is this month’s RBC Art Pick and is currently on view at the AGO as part of the exhibition Moments of Modernism.
Located in the Al & Malka Green Gallery (gallery 402), the six-foot-wide Victoire grabs the attention of viewers with its thick and textured applications of crimson oil paint reminiscent of fire. The central focus of the canvas is a line of pointed trapezoidal white figures surrounded by a large area of black negative space. This work reflects Letendre’s early style – generous strokes of oil paint applied using her hands or a spatula, creating a saturated colour palette with a uniquely emotive quality.
Born in Drummondville, Quebec to Abenaki and Québécois parents in 1928, Letendre began painting in Montreal in the 1950s. She spent two decades building her practice in Montreal and later Los Angeles before relocating to Toronto in the 1970s. Renowned for her visceral style, she boldly experimented with colour, light and space. Letendre used the paintbrush, airbrush, palette knife and her hands to express the spirit of life. Her work embodies her ongoing quest for connection and understanding.
Highlighting the diversity and high quality of the AGO’s modern art collection, Moments in Modernism features works of Pop Art, Abstraction, Realism, and Minimalism from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The exhibition contains a gallery completely dedicated to Letendre’s work, showcasing her evolution as an essential voice in Canadian art history. Installed alongside Victoire are three other paintings: L’image D’Islam (1961), Aforim (1975) and Daybreak (1983).
In addition to her works on canvas, Letendre is renowned for her works of public art throughout the city of Toronto. Although it is obscured by construction, her massive 1971 mural Sunrise covers the top seven floors of the east side of the Neil Wycik College building on Gerrard Street East. In the mid 1970s, Letendre’s proposal was selected by the Toronto Transit Commision (TTC), and she was commissioned to design a major work to be installed in Glencarin subway station. Joy (1977) is comprised of 300 panels of spray-painted tempered glass and is incorporated into the station as a skylight, evoking a cathedral-stained glass effect across the platform. The beloved piece of public art is still installed today.
Leterdre passed away in 2021 at the age of 93. In November 2022, the AGO hosted a free event commemorating the life and work of the legendary artist. The evening included a screening of interviews with Letendre, alongside remembrances from her colleagues, friends and family.
Victoire (1961) is on view on Level 4 of the AGO as part of the exhibition Moments in Modernism. Four other works by Letendre are currently on view at the AGO as part of the exhibition Letendre/Morrisseau, placing Letendre’s works in dialogue with seminal works from influential Indigenous painter Norval Morrisseau.
Moments in Modernism is co-curated by Debbie Johnsen, Assistant Curator, Contemporary Art, and Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO at the AGO. Moments in Modernism features artworks that will form the cornerstone for the expansion of the new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, starting construction in 2024. The new building is being designed by architects Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect to showcase the AGO's growing collection of modern and contemporary art.
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