(1925-2009)
Located on Regina Five wall, above Golden Prairie Confections (Dr. William Riddell Centre, viewable from 1st and 2nd floors)
Copyright the Estate of Ronald Bloore. Reproduced with the permission of the Trustee to the Estate of Ronald Bloore. Photograph by the University of Regina
Untitled, 1987
Oil on masonite
44” x 88”
University of Regina President’s Art Collection; pc.2003.4
Ronald L. Bloore became Director of the Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery from 1958 until 1966. During this time he also taught Art History and Archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina College (now the University of Regina). Bloore enjoyed Directorship as it afforded him new experiences beyond teaching and art-making, satisfying an interest in gallery administration and the relationship between the gallery and the wider public. One of his main objectives was to expose Regina to a range of influences from around the world and to combat the city’s sense of isolation. He wanted to set standards of quality, and expand the knowledge base of the small prairie city. In another effort to combat the artistic seclusion, he helped organize the Emma Lake workshops; as well, he was part of the group known as the Regina Five. He and other group members received national attention for their Modernist works, helping to initiate a growth in artistic expression on the prairies.
Bloore’s paintings are ordered, structured, pre-conceived patterns that are non-representational, and yet loaded with content. He is well known for his white on white paintings. He used twenty-six different varieties of white paint, utilizing the subtle variations to create complex yet rudimentary paintings. The artist relied on light and texture to convey the content of his works. Bloore built up many layers of paint, then obscuring any source of a brushstroke, leaving no trace of the artist or his fingerprints; thus, obliterating the hand of the artist. In Untitled, which was executed on November 29th, 1987, the work was power-sanded smooth, leaving only relief-like lines and the exposed support.
Bloore’s interests in cultural history and antiquity were sustaining influences, these aspects are evident in his works; many of his paintings resemble relief-like motifs. Elemental qualities of form, line, colour, texture and space are used as a visual language to convey his subject matter, while stimulating engagement and interpretation.
Bloore has never given a direct statement about the meanings of his paintings. In fact, many of his works are untitled or titled simply, Painting. These are intentional acts, as he did not want to set limits on the viewer’s interpretation.