During World War II, the Canadian government commissioned artists to document the activities of the Canadian military both at home and abroad. These artworks, which now number over 5,000, offer a unique perspective on Canada’s contribution to the war effort, and the sacrifices made by its people.
The artists who were commissioned to create these works came from a variety of backgrounds, including established painters, illustrators, and even soldiers who had artistic talent. They were given wide-ranging instructions, and their works capture everything from battlefield scenes to the mundane tasks of everyday life on the home front.
Many of the paintings depict Canadian soldiers in action overseas. Some show them in combat, while others portray the more mundane aspects of military life, such as training exercises or everyday routines. These artworks offer a window into the experiences of Canadian soldiers during the war, and the challenges they faced both on and off the battlefield.
One of the most famous examples of wartime art from Canada is Alex Colville’s “Infantry, near Nijmegen, Holland”, which depicts soldiers advancing through a field of tall grass. Colville, who served as a war artist in the Netherlands, was known for his precise, almost photographic style, which captured the intensity and danger of the moment.
But the artworks from this period are not limited to depictions of soldiers in combat. Many also show the impact of the war on the home front, and the sacrifices made by ordinary Canadians. Artists were sent across the country to capture scenes of wartime industry, rationing, and civilian life.
Another well-known Canadian war artist was Molly Lamb Bobak, who was the first Canadian woman to be appointed as an official war artist. Her paintings depicted the experiences of Canadian women in the armed forces, including “Women’s Division R.C.A.F.”, which shows a group of women working on aircraft engines. Her works show women training, working, and socializing together, offering a glimpse into a part of Canadian history that is often overlooked.
There were many other notable examples of wartime art produced by Canadian artists during World War II. For instance, Group of Seven member A.Y. Jackson created a series of paintings documenting the Canadian military’s involvement in the Italian Campaign, including “Ortona”, which portrays the devastating battle that took place in the Italian town of the same name.
Arthur Lismer, another member of the Group of Seven, created a series of paintings depicting Canadian naval operations in the Atlantic, including “Convoy in the Gulf of St. Lawrence”, which portrays the danger and chaos of escorting convoys through treacherous waters.
Other notable Canadian war artists include Bruno Bobak, who documented the liberation of the Netherlands and the aftermath of the war, and Paraskeva Clark, who painted scenes of life on the home front, including factory workers and war bond rallies.
These artworks not only captured the events and experiences of Canadian military personnel during the war but also served as a means of preserving Canada’s history and culture. They were used in exhibitions and publications and helped to create a visual record of Canada’s contribution to the war effort.
The war art also serves as a record of Canada’s diverse population at the time. Indigenous soldiers and communities are represented in the works, as are Black Canadians and other minority groups. The paintings offer a glimpse into the experiences of these communities during a period of immense change and upheaval.
The artworks produced during this period were not just intended for historical purposes. They were also meant to inspire and rally support for the war effort. Many of the paintings were reproduced in newspapers and magazines, and exhibited across the country, in an effort to boost morale and encourage Canadians to support the war.
Today, these artworks offer a unique perspective on Canada’s involvement in World War II. They offer a glimpse into the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and minority groups, and provide a record of a pivotal moment in Canadian history. But they also stand as a testament to the power of art to inspire, to record history, and to bring a sense of humanity to even the darkest of times.
Moreover, these artworks continue to be celebrated and studied for their historical and artistic value. They offer a unique perspective on the war, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and the impact of the war on Canadian society as a whole.
In many ways, the art of World War II offers a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who fought for Canada during the war. But it also reminds us of the importance of creativity, of the need to record history, and of the power of art to tell a story. These artworks stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and to the enduring power of art to capture the complexities of human experience.
