Madawaska

Private Collection, Calgary

The rural community of Madawaska is situated south-east of Algonquin Park along the Madawaska River. An ideal area for camping, canoeing and hiking, Madawaska afforded Jackson both the rugged barren Canadian landscape and small villages the artist sought to explore in his artistic practice. The village at the base of the hill showcases the individuality and pragmatic simplicity of the dwellings through the brightly-coloured roofs and sidings. The surrounding landscape works as a more neutral backdrop of the homes and structures, focusing the viewer's attention on the trace of human existence within the landscape rather than a void vista. The importance of life in rural communities was central to many of Jackson's works and was a subject which was integral to his oeuvre. An avid outdoorsman, Jackson was acutely aware of his role within the landscape as an active participant; rather than omit the villages, communities and settlements within the Canadian land, he instead sought to elevate the importance of human existence, resilience and reliance on the land in these more remote locales. “Madawaska” incorporates the artist's signature stylistic handling of the paint with long fluid brush strokes to highlight the curve and form of every compositional element. The hills, clouds and snow are all captured with a lyrical fluidity while the village below has been depicted in a decidedly more linear fashion, highlighting this notion of one's role both in and on the landscape. An advocate for conveying colour, the vibrant canvas holds a whimsical charm while honouring the distinctive personality of the town and its inhabitants.