Robert Markle wing

The exhibition Blazing Figures: A Retrospective of Robert Markle was a great success.

As a result, the rear wing of the main gallery will be transformed to house Robert Markle’s work indefinitely.

This means those who were not able to see the exhibition will now be able to witness a glimpse of his artistic career.

At any given time there will be 35 to 40 of Markle’s works on display. We are also creating an online database of Robert’s works, so everyone is able to see what is available to add to their personal collection!

Blazing Figures has been extended!

Due to the popularity of the Blazing Figures: A Retrospective of Robert Markle exhibition at Gallery de Boer, we are happy to announce that we have extended the show until NOVEMBER 15th!

We felt it was necessary to display the Markle pieces longer so everyone is able to fully appreciate the entirety of his artistic career.

If you haven’t seen the Markle exhibition, please take the time to visit Gallery de Boer and don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness this exciting exhibition!

A Journey with Robert Markle

By: Sarah Slater

Where to begin to talk about an artist who was so prolific and inspiring to Canadian art? Throughout his entire art career he was able to dedicate himself to his subject and muse, explore the range of contrast upon line, and investigate the true nature of his deepest fascinations.

I was fortunate to be able to experience a glimpse of Markle’s art career through cataloging his entire collection for the past two years. Looking deep into each piece, decoding the abstract torsos, or even recognizing Markle himself as an observer was rewarding.

Going through over a thousand images made me realize how in each piece he deeply expressed his perspective on the female figure, staying true to his vision. This is where my appreciation for his art and career began.

Robert’s name came up while I was in art school and came across works of his in permanent collections, but not until I witnessed and researched Robert’s career would I begin to learn of his impact to the art world. As preparation for the exhibition continued over the months, I made a trip to the Markle farm house where I met his wife Marlene and saw his work in person.

Stepping into his studio was immediately awe-inspiring. There was an abundance of drawings, large oil and acrylic paintings, whirly-gigs and portfolios. Finally all the images I studied were there before my eyes. As Marlene spoke about each piece, the stories and his inspirations suddenly made the artwork more personable.

I was never shocked by what I saw in Markle’s art. His work can easily be juxtaposed in today’s society. Coming from a different generation where the media has shifted the idea of a female form, making it almost degrading at times, I was able to see the celebration of beauty within his pieces. I saw Markle’s figures as depictions of genuine women. You see the shapes, the exaggerated breasts and muscular legs through a male gaze.

Eventually I started to research more of Robert Markle’s life. With the various writings about him, I never paid attention to his “wrong turns” in life, but rather how he was as an artist. I was able to create my own opinion on his art without directly knowing him or witnessing it first hand.

Despite what everyone may have known about Robert and his fascination with his models, I didn’t want to focus on that aspect or what it had to with my opinion of his artwork. However, I did focus on the writings that involved reviews of his shows, interviews when he talked about his work, especially about the Eros 65 exhibition, and Robert’s personal writings that allowed me to see how passionate he was about so many things in life.

Throughout the continuous research there were times where I laughed at his witty humour, cried over his genuine heartfelt emotions (especially his words on childhood memories) and was surprised by his honesty when reading interviews. That gave me a better understanding to his bold personality.

As we inch closer to the exhibition and my final days at Gallery de Boer, I hope in some way I was able to give this artist the recognition he deserves. I may have never met Robert, but with each article, images of his art or photographs I come across, I feel that much closer to knowing who he really was.

I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to explore Robert Markle’s art and share information with everyone to help showcase his life. It has given me inspiration as an artist to pursue every possibility within my own practice and be true to what I want to express. I sincerely want to thank Marlene Markle for all the wonderful insights into Robert’s work. I was able to see a new perspective after learning more about where his inspirations came from.

The exhibition “Blazing Figures” at Gallery de Boer will do homage to the artist; a journey through Markle’s life. Take the time to visit the exhibition and witness the retrospective of Robert Markle; it will shed new light into how the female nude is perceived.

This is a quote which I feel will continue to lend guidance in my art practice. These words by Robert will always resonate as I journey forward as an artist.

“You see, an artist should not have to explain the way of his work. It’s not the artist’s responsibility to justify what he does. His work is part of an on going process. It’s like an investigation into something he cares about”. – Robert Markle

Just a Reminder!

The opening receptions for the exhibition ‘Blazing Figures: A Retrospective of Robert Markle’ are fast approaching!

We are having two receptions with an exciting book signing by J.A. Wainwright who wrote the biography “Blazing Figures: A Life of Robert Markle”

Please join us on Friday August 26th 7-10 pm and Saturday August 27th 1-4 pm to see the fascinating exhibition ‘Blazing Figures: A Retrospective of Robert Markle’

Hope to see you there!

For more information about the Robert Markle exhibition.

Did you know Robert Markle was also a writer?

Did you know that Robert Markle wrote for many magazines with subjects ranging from hockey, his childhood Christmas memories or even his favorite food?

Robert Markle was passionate about many things; in fact, he even wrote an article about his love for greasy food and included a complete recipe. Robert’s recipe for the ultimate hot hamburger sandwich included how to prepare ingredients and even specifics on how to plate and present the meal.

He also wrote an article in Toronto Life magazine in 1989 about his first experience going fly fishing. He describes an epiphany moment when he realized he “needed to stop worrying and find peace and contentment”. Markle wrote, “at some point, all creative people confront their inability to create a leisure time for themselves, a time outside the demands of their art. As a painter, I was in the same dilemma.” He then decidedto try fly fishing and found it to be very difficult.

In the article he talks about the struggles he faced with the rod and line and losing many tools in the river while waist deep in water. Despite all the unfortunate events and frustration that came from learning to fly fish, Markle realized his joy and harmony came from being within the landscape and experiencing new colours, textures and sounds of nature.

Did you know Robert Markle made a mural for Owen Sound?

Did you know the mural Robert Markle made for Owen Sound in 1987 was full of community involvement? In fact, some people even painted sections Robert drew for them. It was a chance for the community to participate in an event that celebrated what Owen Sound was about.

Robert painted 7 sections (which totaled 28’ long by 8’ high) and outlined his vision in charcoal. He then had people begin to fill in the sections. Robert told contributors not to worry about how well they painted as he planned to go over the areas later to fix them.

While creating the mural Robert wanted as much involvement from people of the community as possible and encouraged everyone to help. Children, spectators and former Mayor and MP Ovid Jackson all contributed to the mural. In all, more than 50 people showed up for the event which later was concluded with a barbeque and street dance.

Robert was chosen out of 14 artists for the project that was part of the city’s second ‘Street Arts Festival’ sponsored by the Downtown Improvement Area.

Did you know Robert Markle portrayed Rembrandt in the television show ‘Witness to Yesterday’?

Sponsored by Shell Canada Limited in 1974, “Witness to Yesterday” offered a fresh and fascinating perspective on history. Patrick Watson was the writer, producer and director of the show.

Watson also conducted the “interviews” of the historical guests. The questions were designed to explore the myths and theories that had developed over the years and re-created some of history’s finest personalities from Queen Victoria, William Shakespeare and Alexander the Great.

The episode staring Markle highlighted Rembrandt’s career and discussed some important works by the artist. Markle dressed in costume to portray the artist and was passionate when describing Rembrandt’s artistic vision.

The interview never seemed scripted as both Watson and Markle fed off each other during each response. Anxiousness and frustration arose when personal questions were asked about the hardships Rembrandt faced in his life.

Did you know Robert Markle had a close relationship with musician Gordon Lightfoot?

Did you know Robert Markle had a close relationship with Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot?

In fact, he wrote articles about their friendship and discussed his opinions on Gordon’s career and musical abilities.

In one article titled “Knowing Lightfoot: A Friend’s Portrait of the Artist at Work and Play” Robert gave a different perspective on Lightfoot’s work process.

He also gave a personal look into how Lightfoot would unwind with friends after his concerts. Robert had a genuinely honest and close relationship with Lightfoot for many years.

Robert also painted Gordon Lightfoot’s portrait that was to be used for an album cover. The art director for the album decided to go with a photograph of Lightfoot instead.

Gordon kept the portrait Markle created and hung it in his house and to this very day deeply admires the piece.

Robert had a deep passion for music, especially for folk singer Gordon Lightfoot. His admiration showed in his artwork and writings that resulted in the lengthy articles about Gordon in The Canadian Magazine, Maclean’s Magazine and many others.

Did you know about Markle’s television pilot?

Did you know that before Robert Markle passed away he piloted a T.V show called ‘Something’s Brewing’ that featured micro-breweries in Canada?

Robert and Patrick Watson were beginning a series that would feature Markle as a host and writer as he travelled throughout Canada to find micro-breweries in beautiful and interesting places.

In the pilot he visited Creemore Springs Brewery and interviewed the owner along with local politicians, historians and other community members. Robert also painted and sketched local scenes (such as those shown on this page).

Robert said, “It is an education for me that I’d like to pass on to all the other beer drinkers. I’d like to show the beer drinkers out there that there’s a choice out there when it comes to beer”.

‘Something’s Brewing’ didn’t just focus on the beer but the people and places and the impact the brewery had on the community.

Markle felt the film had direction and would give options to a new audience and give them a chance to learn something new. The show never aired since Robert died tragically in 1990. They didn’t want the project to move forward without Robert’s presence.

Did you know Markle was an unconventional teacher?

Robert Markle was a founding member of Arts’ Sake Inc. and a teacher at the New School of Art, but did you know that he had some of the most unconventional teaching methods for his students?

He would drive down to Toronto two days a week and his classes were most likely to be held in the Brunswick Tavern.

Conversations would take over the lessons amongst pitchers of beer. Markle challenged his students to look deep within their own work “and try to figure out why they’re all so shitty”.

He also felt, “I don’t see it as my job to give my students anything. I think it’s their job to get what they want from me. They have to come to me. And they know where they can find me when they have to”.

Past student and artist Vera Frenkel recalls pouring a pitcher of beer over Markle’s head after one of his pompous rants. It was then she earned his undying respect.

Students were mesmerized by him. One stated “He’s an original. He’s at the centre of whatever’s going on. You always get the feeling that whatever he does, he likes teaching best of all”.

Despite not having a formal class setting, students respected Robert enough to follow him to the tavern and listen to every criticism and encouragement he offered. Without the New School of Art and having practicing artists teach those classes, the artists may have never gained the perspective they needed for their own artwork.

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