Sigvaldason Fine Art Inc.
Gimli, Manitoba
Sigvaldason Fine Art specializes in Historical and Contemporary Canadian Artwork. Artists include the Group of 7, Ivan Eyre, Leo Mol, Maud Lewis, etc.
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Artist: Fritz Brandtner
Born in Germany, Fritz Brandtner was a painter, draughtsman, muralist and teacher. Brandtner assisted the post-impressionist August Pfuhle in his studio and taught life classes at the University of Danzig. At the same time, he worked as a graphic designer, and participated in an exhibition in Danzig. In 1928, he moved to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. He found work as a commercial artist, muralist and set designer, and met Bertram Brooker, LeMoine FitzGerald, Caven Atkins and Philip Surrey. After moving to Montreal in 1934 art community, including Louis Muhlstock, André Biéler, Jori Smith, John Lyman and Anne Savage. Dr. Norman Bethune and Marian Scott also counted among Brandtner's first contacts in Montreal; the three shared a concern for social issues. In 1936, Bethune arranged an exhibition of Brandtner's work at Henry Morgan and Co. to benefit the Canadian League Against War and Fascism. The same year, Brandtner and Bethune founded the Children's Art Centre, with Scott soon joining the teaching staff. A prolific artist, Brandtner's subjects were varied and included landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and anti-war images, as well as still lifes. Men of 1939 (1939) shows the influence of German Expressionist George Grosz. Brandtner held 15 solo exhibitions across Canada, and participated in numerous international group exhibitions. He was a member of the Contemporary Arts Society and received a number of awards.