Betty Goodwin's powerful works about death, loss and the traces of life have influenced a generation of Canadian artists. This superbly produced catalogue of her prints celebrates a career that spans more than fifty years. Born in 1923 in Montreal, Betty Goodwin was largely self-taught and made her breakthrough as a leading Canadian artist in the early 1970s. Her work is in the collection of many public art institutions in Canada and has been exhibited internationally, most notably at the 1989 Sao Paulo Biennial and in the international section of the 1995 Venice Biennale. Recognitions of her achievement include the Paul-Emile Borduas award, a John Simon Guggenheim Foundation fellowship, the Gershon Iskowitz Prize and three honourary doctorates. The main text for this book comes from Rosemarie Tovell, Curator of Prints and Drawings at the National Gallery of Canada, and surveys Goodwin's entire career. A short overview of Goodwin's technical accomplishments follows from Anne Maheux, Conservator of Prints and Drawings. The book features some 250 meticulously reproduced illustrations, 40 in colour, with each print accompanied by a detailed description covering its genesis and history. End matter includes a list of exhibitions and a bibliography.

This book was published in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada.

National Gallery of Canada's profile page

Rosemarie Tovell was curator of the Canadian Prints and Drawings Collection at the National Gallery of Canada for over 30 years. Her major exhibitions include David Milne, William Berczy, Betty Goodwin, the history of Canadian lithography, and the Canadian etching revival. In 1997, her publication A New Class of Art received the prestigious Newman Book Award from the American Historical Print Collector's Society. Since retirement she continues to contribute to books and exhibitions, including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Carleton University Art Gallery, and the Burnaby Art Gallery.

Rosemarie Tovell's profile page

Rosemarie Tovell was curator of the Canadian Prints and Drawings Collection at the National Gallery of Canada for over 30 years. Her major exhibitions include David Milne, William Berczy, Betty Goodwin, the history of Canadian lithography, and the Canadian etching revival. In 1997, her publication A New Class of Art received the prestigious Newman Book Award from the American Historical Print Collector's Society. Since retirement she continues to contribute to books and exhibitions, including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Carleton University Art Gallery, and the Burnaby Art Gallery.

Anne Maheux's profile page