Unexpected Bateman
JULY 5TH - October 26th, 2024
All gallery spaces
Exhibition Artist:
Robert McLellan Bateman (1930 - )
Article Written by Paul Crawford
For those who are already fans of Robert’s works, this exhibition will not only provide a rare opportunity to see some of his most iconic paintings from his personal collection and archive but also offer a rare insight into the development of his creative practice and the influences that have shaped and guided his evolution. For those who have largely dismissed his work as merely wildlife or illustrative art, I hope this exhibition will provide a deeper understanding of Bateman's awareness, understanding, and engagement with contemporary art practices, as well as his willingness to experiment with and assimilate these ideas into his own work.
In doing so, this exhibition is also an examination of the intricacies of the art world, prompting us to consider the fundamental questions: What is fine art, and by what criteria is an artist's career and creative output judged, valued, and ultimately deemed worthy of celebration and inclusion in our nation's public art galleries and the art historical record? Through the lens of Robert Bateman's career and legacy, we can explore how these factors interact with and shape the art world, challenging us to rethink our perceptions of cultural value and the role the visual arts play in our society.
Regardless of where you stand in your opinion of Bateman's art, I hope you will come to the exhibition with an open mind, ready to have your preconceptions challenged and be willing to come away with a greater appreciation and understanding of his creative practice and his incredible legacy.
Robert Bateman (1930- )
Elk, 1942
gouache on paper
11 1/2 x 15
Starting with his first serious effort—a painting of an elk at the age of 12 as a gift to his mother—Robert Bateman's journey as a visual artist began early. His bird studies and carvings, done in his teens while attending classes with the Junior Field Naturalists Club at the Royal Ontario Museum and additionally at Toronto's Arts and Letters Club, fueled his interest and talent. His abilities as both an artist and a naturalist were quickly recognized and encouraged, forming the foundation of his identity.
Bateman's early works demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world, traits that would become hallmarks of his later work. By his late teens, Robert began submitting his work to regional exhibitions, where it started to attract attention beyond his immediate circle, earning the young artist numerous awards and scholarships.
As a young artist searching for his artistic voice, Robert was deeply influenced by the Group of Seven and the Quebec Impressionists, whose presence strongly shaped Canada's cultural landscape and still dominated the Canadian art scene in Toronto the early 1950’s, It's no surprise that we see his work from this period clearly reflects these influences.
In a review of an exhibition at the University of Toronto's prestigious Hart House Gallery in 1951, critic Hugh Thomson noted, "There's real talent in Robert Bateman's somber portrayal of a housemaid awkwardly leaning out of an upstairs window to observe some activity below, and in his impressive 'Ungava Sunset.' Could we be witnessing a future A.Y. Jackson here?"
As he entered his mid 20’s he began to show an interest in cubism and was aware of the burgeoning abstract expressionist movement emerging out of New York. Closer to home the artist Alexandra Luke organized Ontario's first public exhibition of abstract artists in 1952 which was followed in 1953 by "Abstracts at Home '' curated by William Ronald at the Robert Simpson department store, and in February 1954, the inaugural exhibition of the Painters Eleven at the Roberts Gallery.
During this period, Robert Bateman's work distinctly reflects the influence of abstract expressionism, notably inspired by the American artist Franz Kline. Viewing his works from this era reveals an artist deeply engaged with contemporary art practices, actively incorporating these influences into his own work. Remarkably, these influences continue to persist in Bateman's current works, with the foundation of each painting remaining rooted in these abstract influences. This challenges the perception that his art is purely illustrative, showcasing a profound evolution shaped by his ongoing dialogue with abstraction.
In 1962, after visiting Andrew Wyeth’s exhibition at the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, New York, Robert Bateman was inspired to shift from abstraction back to realism. Seeing Wyeth's work gave him the confidence and motivation to depict and document through his art the subjects that brought him the greatest joy and inspiration. In reflecting back on this pivotal moment in his life he states: “I was inspired to leave abstraction for realism by Andrew Wyeth, whose show in 1962 led to a turning point in my art. The particularity in nature was always very important to me, yet I was not using it in my painting because of my abstract style. Wyeth helped to trigger my love of the differences in subject matter and to put it down in paint.” In doing so it brought his life full circle back to his time he spent with the Junior Field Naturalists Club at the Royal Ontario Museum in the 1940s.
He was also deeply involved with the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, and by the early 1960s, another lifelong commitment to philanthropy began to take root. Robert Bateman regularly donated his art to help raise funds in support of the Federation's educational programs and to this day he continues to use his art to raise millions of dollars for wildlife conservation, arts groups and countless charitable causes each year.
Throughout his career, Bateman's art has been shaped by his extensive travels and dedication to environmental conservation. His paintings of wildlife in their natural environments, captures not just their physical beauty but also the intricate relationships they have with their environment. By the mid-1970s, Robert Bateman's success and the high demand for his art led him to leave teaching and pursue painting full-time. As his exhibitions consistently sold out and demand for his work increased, Bateman signed an agreement in 1977 with Mill Pond Press to publish signed, limited edition prints. Initially hesitant, he saw the opportunity to make his art more accessible and to raise awareness about conservation and environmental issues.
As his popularity increased, Bateman began to face increasing criticism on two fronts. Firstly, there was scrutiny over his use of photographs as aids in his painting process. Secondly, and persisting to this day, was the criticism for selling large quantities of signed reproductions of his works. Critics accused him of flooding the market with mechanically reproduced offset lithographs which misled consumers and diminished the uniqueness and intrinsic value of art. In a letter to the Hamilton Spectator in 1980, Peter Slywka voiced these concerns, questioning Bateman's artistic integrity and the broader impact of his reproductions on the art community.
For many, purchasing a Bateman print marked their first venture into the art world. Hearing guests exclaim, "You have a Bateman!" not only validated their choice but also empowered them, boosting their confidence and igniting a lifelong passion for visiting galleries, meeting artists, and expanding their art collection. These prints democratized the art market, granting access to a world that many had previously found inaccessible and unwelcoming.
It's crucial to note that Robert Bateman himself never marketed these prints as investments; rather, this was primarily done by his publisher, Millpond Press, as well as numerous frame shops, galleries, and speculators who capitalized on the growing hype and demand for his works. This phenomenon resembled a gold rush during a period when the broader art market was struggling. However, like any collectible market built on speculation and hype, there is always a risk of the bubble bursting. A recent comparative example would be the NFT craze, which surged through the art market in recent years before facing its own challenges and uncertainties.
In a review of an exhibition of Bateman's paintings held at the Vancouver Museum published in the Vancouver Province on October 21, 1982, the art critic Art Perry wrote:
“Robert Bateman is an observer of the obvious. He paints clear images of trees, birds and furry animals. Nature and the call of the wild runs through his artistic ideology like a squirrel through Stanley Park. There is no Surrealism or twist of the unexpected in Bateman's art. These are real animals in a real woodsy environment.”
It's a rare and unique opportunity to present the totality of an artist's career and see how each phase builds upon the last and supports the next, constantly distilling and refining the focus of their artistic vision. Each piece represented is a bookmark, documenting the sum of their life experience at that moment in time. As you pass through the exhibition, take time to observe the threads that connect and tie all together, the themes, interests, and truths that remain constant regardless of time, distance, and personal growth and evolution.
By presenting a comprehensive overview of Bateman's career, our hope is that this exhibition will challenge the conventional boundaries of what is considered "high art" and prompt us to reconsider the criteria by which we judge artistic merit. It encourages a more inclusive and nuanced appreciation of the diverse ways in which art can engage with and reflect the world around us.
With this sentiment in mind, the exhibition seeks to address these critiques by highlighting the complexity and evolution of Bateman's creative practice. It invites viewers to consider the broader context of his work and his role in raising awareness about environmental issues. In doing so, the exhibition aims to illuminate the many unexpected aspects of Bateman's art and legacy, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of his contributions as a contemporary artist, mentor, teacher, and passionate environmental activist. ◆
Watch An Evening with Robert Bateman Below:
Presenting: Unexpected Bateman - Exhibition Guidebook
Unexpected Bateman: Exploring the Mastery Behind the Masterpieces
Step into the world of renowned artist Robert Bateman like never before with “Unexpected Bateman,” a captivating journey through the evolution of a legend. Inside this curated publication, discover the hidden layers and influences that have shaped Bateman’s iconic style.
Artistic Roots: Uncover the foundational artists and pieces that have inspired Bateman’s journey. Delve into the artistic lineage that has contributed to his unique vision and unparalleled skill.
Evolution of Vision: Witness the transformation of Bateman’s work from his early pieces to his later masterpieces. This section offers a compelling comparison, highlighting the growth and refinement of his techniques over the years.
Habitat of Style: Go beyond the surface with in-depth descriptions of Bateman’s various art styles, exploring how his art transcends photorealism. Learn about his abstract roots and the profound messages embedded within his naturalistic portrayals.
“Unexpected Bateman” is an essential companion for art enthusiasts, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most celebrated artists of our time. Dive deep into the unexpected and discover the layers that make Robert Bateman’s work truly extraordinary.
*Exhibition extended until October 26th, 2024
