Henri Léopold Masson (1907-1996)
Biography for Henri Masson
Early Life:
Henri Masson was born on January 10, 1907, near Namur, Belgium. From an early age, he demonstrated a passion for art, teaching himself to draw and paint by the age of 13. The intricate details and craftsmanship that would later become hallmarks of his artistic style were honed during his apprenticeship in a metal engraving shop. In 1921, Masson brought his talent to Canada following the death of his father. In Ottawa, he pursued formal artistic studies at the Ottawa Art Association under George Rowles and later joined the Ottawa Art Club.
A pivotal moment in Masson’s artistic journey was his encounter with the works of the Group of Seven at the National Gallery of Canada. Their bold and unique interpretations of the Canadian landscape profoundly influenced him and shaped his approach to capturing the essence of his surroundings.
Start of His Artistic Career:
In 1936 Masson begun to exhibit his work, earning early recognition when he presented at the Ontario Society of Artists in Toronto. His paintings, celebrated for their vibrant colour and dynamic sense of light, stood apart from the cubist and surrealist trends of the time. Instead, he focused on the charm and vibrancy of rural Canada. Still lifes and paintings of monks and choirboys, musicians, children and a great variety of commonplace activities deal with subjects that he considered to convey the essence of life. Masson used a loose, vigorous brush style in many media. His best works are full of detail and movement, with a broad range of colour, and convey a sense of immediacy to the viewer.
His artistic philosophy was encapsulated in the works of Canadian poet, writer, letter writer, and essayist, Hector de Saint-Denys Gameau:
“In the fresh breath of the morning, it is a painter who leaves in a dream and goes hunting, with a joyful step. One attentive eye and the other joyful. The road through the hills undulates, light as a scarf in the wind. Around, everything: to the right, to the left, up and from here. He is a painter who shows what he is among what exists.” (Translated from French)
International Success:
From 1938 to 1945, Masson’s career flourished with exhibitions across North America, including shows with the Canadian Group of Painters in New York and Montreal, and an appearance at the Rio de Janeiro Biennial. His talent was further acknowledged when he was invited to compete in the National Gallery of Canada’s war artists’ competition alongside prominent figures such as H. McCurry, A.Y. Jackson, and Arthur Lismer. Masson’s recognition led to teaching positions at Queen’s University in Kingston and later the Banff School of Fine Arts.
International recognition came when one of his paintings was reproduced by UNICEF and another work was featured on an 8-cent Canadian postage stamp. His work was exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide, including the New York World’s Fair in 1939, the São Paulo Biennale in 1951, and the Quebec Pavilion at the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Throughout his career, Masson traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes. Despite his global reach, his heart remained in Canada, where he continued to explore and depict its natural beauty and cultural life.
Henri Masson passed away on February 9, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada’s most important modernist painters. His works continue to captivate audiences, celebrated for their vibrant colour, intricate detail, and the unique narrative they convey of Canadian life and beyond.