William Kurelek was born in Alberta in 1927, he came from a farming family and at one time worked as a picture framer in London, England. His pictures often show the “dignity of labour.” Kurelek has been described as:
“a chronicler of the experiences of various cultural groups in Canada.”
This exhibit brings his most important works together for the first time in 30 years.
To highlight this exhibit, a hardcover catalogue printing of the exhibit is for sale at a number of bookstores and online shopping sites throughout Canada. It will no doubt be available at the Art Gallery of Hamilton during the exhibit. Kurelek fans from all over Ontario, including nearby Stoney Creek will want to visit this exhibit while it is here and before it moves on to Victoria. Picking up a copy of the catalogue will keep the exhibit alive in their homes for years to come.
Kurelek is one of the greatest painters Canada has ever had. His works accurately portray the life that many people lived on the prairies and teach us all about the experiences of the Ukrainian, Polish, Inuit peoples and other minorities who helped to build the country.