Arthur Adamson: A Celebration is a retrospective of renowned Manitoba artist Arthur Adamson’s stunning visual art. The book features artist’s images as photographed by Ernest Mayer, resident photographer at the Winnipeg Art Gallery; a comprehensive look at Adamson’s visual artistic position by Pat Bovey, Past Director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; an introduction by George Amabile, past Writer-in-Residence at the Winnipeg Public Library; and, Adamson’s artist statement. In her essay on Adamson’s art, Bovey looks at the variety of media in which he works—painting, printmaking, drawing, and watercolour. She addresses the major themes that dominate and recur through all this work, including Jacob and the Angel, Lazarus, the landscape, and the Expulsion from the Garden. She examines how the artist explores these themes in each of the media, their relationships and evolution through his use of colour, line, and texture. Further, she explores the source for his inspiration and the links between his visual interest in these themes and his work as an English scholar and art critic.

Born and educated in Winnipeg, Arthur Adamson has spent his entire life contributing to the educational and cultural life of the province. He taught English literature and creative writing at the University of Manitoba for 37 years, retiring in 1995. He has had three books of poetry, illustrated by him, published; has exhibited extensively as a visual artist; and has written many art reviews and critical essays on artists and the art scene in Manitoba.

Arthur Adamson's profile page

Pat Bovey is a Winnipeg writer and art historian.

Pat Bovey's profile page

Ernest Mayer is a well-respected and well-known Manitoba art photographer.

Ernest Mayer's profile page