Space Mission, 1995

William Ronald Helen Ronald / The Estate of William Ronald

“Space Mission is an acrylic on canvas painting by William Ronald from 1995. In that year, the artist was preparing for his final Toronto solo show at the Christopher Cutts Gallery which opened on February 10, 1996. Space Mission measures 30 x 30 inches with a signature motif of a painted border with bright colour scheme to make a strong visual statement. This is a central image painting with a light blue oval dominating the form. In a Globe and Mail article, comparing his new work to 1950s abstract expressionist works, William Ronald explained that now the colours are exuberant, “Yes, my paintings are happier now. I’m just happy to be here.” Stylistically, this work is an evolution in his late career as there is little evidence of his usual layering, no multi-coloured brush strokes and the colour fields are uncharacteristically solid. The result of the simplification has a direct impact on the viewer. Space Mission is dedicated by the artist to musician grandson James Ronald. Adding to its provenance, it was exhibited in the 2014 show “William Ronald & Alexandra Luke” (both founders of the 1950s Toronto abstract art group Painters Eleven) at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound.” - By Lawrence Brissenden for The Estate of William Ronald