Province Mourns Passing of Alex Colville

Premier Darrell Dexter expressed sadness today, July 17, at the passing of well-known Nova Scotia artist Alex Colville.

"Alex Colville's contributions as an artist cannot be underestimated," said Premier Dexter. "From capturing the landing on Juno Beach during World War Two to his painstaking portraits of everyday life he became a Canadian cultural icon whose paintings were sought after.

"He defined what it was to be an artist and his legacy will continue to be celebrated and interpreted by new generations of Canadian artists and art lovers. My condolences to his family and friends on this very difficult day."

A resident of Wolfville since 1973, Mr. Colville was born in Toronto but raised in Nova Scotia. He first came to prominence as a war artist in the 1940s and his impact on the art world continued to grow after that. His work was exhibited at the prestigious Venice Biennale in 1962 and he was commissioned to design commemorative coins for the centennial of Confederation in 1967.

Mr. Colville's work is featured in major art collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Que.

"Mr. Colville showed that a Nova Scotia artist could have a global impact on arts and culture," said Premier Dexter. "His example encourages new and emerging artists in our province to pursue their passion and reach for creative excellence."

A recipient of many awards and recognitions, Mr. Colville was named to the Order of Canada in 1967, received the Canada Council's Molson Prize in 1975 and was given an honorary degree from Acadia University.