Painting of North America by Greg Curnoe
    Learn About

    Canadian Identity

    through the art of

    Greg Curnoe

    Grades 6-12

    Canadian Identity through
    the art of Greg Curnoe

    Greg Curnoe (1936–1992) was an artist from London, Ontario, who promoted his hometown as an important centre for artistic production in Canada. He began his career in the 1960s, at the beginning of a decade of change when many people asked, “What does it mean to be Canadian?” He was an ardent promoter of regionalism—a movement that looked toward one’s own life and area for inspiration—to help define Canadian identity. Curnoe expressed his passion for Canada in his paintings and his writings. He believed that there was not one single, unified Canadian identity, but rather many regional identities throughout the country. This guide explores Curnoe’s artistic practice and the formation of Canadian identity during the late twentieth century through to today.

    Learning Activities
    • Create a “Canadian Identity” Wheel
    • Discussion of Canadian Identity as Regional or National
    • Create a Text-Based Artwork Inspired by the Art of Greg Curnoe
    Related Subjects
    • Canadian Issues
    • World Issues
    • Civics
    • History

    Explore

    Other Resource Guides

    Canadian Identity through the art of Greg Curnoe