Robert Markle – The 1960’s

One thing that is evident in all of Robert Markle’s work is his passion for the female form. It was his subject for his entire art career. The 1960’s were Markle’s beginning stages of being recognized in the art world. He began to exhibit in solo shows, started teaching and also had his run-in with the law and media.

In the early stages of his practice, Robert focused on black and white. Through this he was able to depict the female body in positive and negative space and bring the fluidity of the model’s movement through abstraction.

The work in the early 60’s consisted of multiple layers with thin lines and dense black areas. Some of these pieces have a study like quality focusing on the contour of the body.

Later on, more provocative poses appear in the Burlesque series which consist of multiple poses. These dancers are depicted in a dramatic contrast of a stark black background where the positive space of the white paper reflects the lighting onto the body.

In 1965, Markle begins to work closely with charcoal and tempera and the works shifts focus onto the lengthy legs and stilettos of his models. This is where he was able to capture the sense of movement with fine lines. The beginnings of his abstract work can be seen in this series where it is almost difficult to locate the figure.

Robert Markle pushes his earlier literal renditions into more sculptural and abstract drawings by showcasing the same pose in different lighting. In the Pale Blue Marlene series, the body appears to become more curved and the surface of the body develops multiple shaded layers.

In the 1960’s, Robert faced his largest challenge; his work being viewed as obscene in the eyes of the public. The controversial exhibition “Eros 65”, at the Dorothy Cameron Gallery, would put Markle in the spotlight and be constantly questioned for the intention behind his work.

Stay tuned for more information about the Dorothy Cameron Gallery exhibition, and witness Markle’s reactions over the allegations of his ‘lewd’ drawings when interviewed for “This Hour has Seven Days”.

Robert Markle (1936-1990)

Robert Markle was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1936. His origin was Ontario Mohawk, but he never wanted to be known as a native artist.

In 1954, he studied at the Ontario College of Art where his originality was seen from the start. A furious rant, that is still unknown to how it began, would expel Robert from the school. Fortunately while attending OCA he was able to meet Marlene, his future wife and muse, and his inspiration for the female form would grow.

He began exhibiting in many group shows and would later get an important break in his one-man show at the Isaacs Gallery in 1963. The controversial exhibition ‘Eros 65’ at the Dorothy Cameron Gallery would boost Robert’s reputation as an artist. After being raided for ‘obscene’ pieces, it would spark the debate over censorship in Canada.

After leaving a strong impression on the Toronto arts scene, he moved to Holstein where he would continue his work. Robert focused on the female nude which was transformed over the years. Whether studying a single pose or capturing the allure of the dancer’s movement, Markle was unafraid to try something new.

He was also a writer, teacher, and jazz musician. He played the saxophone in the Artists’ Jazz Band with fellow artists Graham Coughtry, Gordon Rayner, Nabuo Kubota and Michael Snow. Markle wrote many articles for magazines and newspapers such as Maclean’s, Toronto Life, The Star and Globe and Mail. Robert was also a teacher from 1966 to 1977. He taught at the New School of Art, the Ontario College of Art and the University of Guelph. Robert was fond of teaching and enjoyed the conversations and engagement with the students.

After a serious motorcycle crash in 1970, Robert was left with the difficult process of restoring the use of his hands. Using the only tool that he could grasp, a big shaving brush became his outlet to paint again. These works that he created are extremely expressionistic and would begin the investigation of curves, shadows and movements of the female figure.

He would continue to push the boundaries by accentuating the deep contrast and build the relationships between his models and muse. Markle also used sculptures to showcase the diversity of his techniques. Whether through the whirligigs or the large installation pieces and murals, Markle was able to explore the range of his Mohawk background, the landscape and female figure into one.

Robert Markle’s life would be cut short after an accident in July, 1990. His last series consisted of monoprints that showed some early techniques of layering, but are also less densely filled. This last series shows how Robert was still investigating his subjects while placing himself within the imagery. Even until his last day, Markle continued to pursue every possible angle and depict what he was truly passionate about.

Today his work can be found in public art galleries, private collections, and selected commercial galleries. At Gallery de Boer – Fine Art & Jazz, we are proud to display a wide range of his work that best represents his prolific career. The show “Blazing Figures” leads you into a journey of Robert Markle’s life. Whether you are familiar with his work, or just learning about him, this show will provide a glimpse into his artistic abilities.

We will be highlighting Markle’s career on our website each week with images and information regarding each time period.

Stay tuned for the start of Markle’s career; the 1960’s. Here you will see his approach of positive and negative space, the passion for the contours of the body, and the imagery that would cause the uproar of controversy over his work.

Blazing Figures – Robert Markle exhibit coming to Gallery de Boer

Gallery de Boer – Fine Art & Jazz is very pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition by Robert Markle featuring four decades of his work. This is a project that has been in the works for quite some time, and now we are thrilled to share with everyone the exciting show that will be on display starting in the month of July.

Robert’s work primarily focused on the female nude; transforming the content throughout his many series. Through abstraction, colour exploration, and how he perceived the body through his eyes, Markle was dedicated to capturing the allure of women and define the dynamics of form. He was a teacher, writer, jazz musician and artist whose work can be found in many private and corporate collections around the world.

The exhibition “Blazing Figures” at Gallery de Boer is a retrospective of Robert Markle’s artistic career. Take the journey into deep contrast, bold colours, shapes and movement of the female figure in which he expressed through his ‘vigorous vision’. This is an opportunity to see a glimpse of the creative genius Robert Markle conveyed. The body of work seen in this exhibition highlights the eroticized aesthetic that best exemplifies his passion and intriguing personality.

A formal opening reception will take place in Julyalong with a book launch of J.A Wainwright’s biography titled Blazing Figures: A Life of Robert Markle.

Stay tuned for more information about Robert Markle’s work, the controversy over his images, and perspectives on how his work can be perceived by different generations. This is a rare opportunity to see a unique representation of an artist who contributed so greatly to Canadian art.