Born in 1871 in British Columbia, Emily Carr is one of the most underappreciated post-impressionist painters. The Industrial Revolution was late to arrive in Western Canada. By the time it did, Emily’s generation was the first to witness the transition from an agricultural to manufacturing society. She understood from an early age that there was a cost to bear for modernization and break speed development. Most of her works focus on the lost indigenous cultures and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. You can think of her as Canada’s answer to Georgia O’Keeffe if you’d like. Her artwork has this surreal (almost psychedelic) and haunting tone that I really love. Notice how she contrasts an eerie sense of emptiness with lush and saturated colors. It’s one of her calling cards.
