Galerie du siècle Inc., Montreal
Private Collection
Working in Montreal, Lise Gervais was inspired by Paul-Émile Borduas and "Les Automatistes", although she was not an official member of the group. She played a significant role in Quebec's abstract painting movement in the 1960s, focusing on bold pigments and high contrast to bring energy to her art.
Gervais travelled to Spain in 1958, where she was particularly inspired by the work of Francisco Goya. Back in Montreal in 1961, she had her first solo show at the Galerie Denyse Delrue. She would go on to show with Gallery Moos in 1962, the same year that she created "La croix du sud".
The textured and colorful surface of Lise Gervais's painting "La croix du sud" vividly captures the vibrant energy with which she infused her artwork. Gervais' personal interest in texture and materiality results in expressive and instinctive brushwork, with bold swatches of taupe, black, and teal popping against a crisp white backdrop. These colours, applied with precision, carry a dynamic and instinctive touch, creating a captivating composition that showcases Gervais's artistic expertise.
