Study for America, 1989-90

Thielsen Galleries, London, Ontario Private Collection, Toronto

Judith Rodger, “Greg Curnoe: Life and Work” [online publication], Art Canada Institute, Toronto, 2016, page 34

Greg Curnoe began the first of several maps of North America in 1972, most likely in response to a commission to produce a cover for the January 1973 issue of the Journal of Canadian Fiction. Curnoe remembered learning about Canadian border disputes as a child, and he heard warnings of the dangers of American influence on media and publishing. Through the 1960s, he was aware of the debates in Canada about the virtues of nationalism versus continentalism or internationalism. Living in London, Ontario, fairly close to the U.S. border, Curnoe witnessed firsthand the influx of American factories and university professors to Canada. These experiences, including a violent mugging in New York City, led the artist to develop an anti- American sentiment. He made headlines through humour and irony, such as with his 1970 statement, “All Canadian atlases must show Canada’s southern border to be with Mexico. Bridges & tunnels must be built between Canada & Mexico.” “Study for America” is an example of several map paintings that express Curnoe’s anti-Americanism. The map of North America eliminates the United States entirely; rather, the land is labeled as Mexico. To emphasize his belittling of the country, lesser-known destinations are mentioned, including Clipperton Island, an uninhabited coral reef in the Pacific Ocean. Despite his own experiences and opinions on the United States, the artist’s map works were intended as tongue-in-cheek statements. Sheila Curnoe recalls her husband coming into their kitchen after he had successfully connected Mexico to the Canadian border: “He was so pleased with himself. He was laughing about it. It was meant to be funny and not to be taken so seriously.”