Maxwell Bates

Maxwell Bates

(1906 – 1980)

MEMBERSHIP
Alberta Society of Artists
Canadian Group of Painters
Canadian Society of Graphic Artists
Royal Canadian Academy of Arts

Maxwell Bennett Bates, born in Calgary, was a trailblazing figure in the Canadian art scene, becoming the first artist from his hometown to gain international recognition. Initially rejected by the traditional artistic circles of Calgary, Bates would go on to redefine expressionism in Canada, earning a place among the country’s most important painters. His early rejection of the conservative Beaux-Arts style, common at the time, led him to explore modernism and expressionism from a young age. Feeling confined by the artistic climate in Alberta, Bates left for England in June of 1930. After an extensive journey by cattle train and boat, he arrived in London in 1931.

In London, Bates immersed himself in the vibrant artistic community, quickly gaining a reputation for his work. He was particularly drawn to the distorted, emotionally charged paintings of the Unit One group, especially the work of Ed Burra. Over the following decade, Bates was an avid participant in the London art scene, attending nearly two thousand exhibitions and frequently showcasing his own pieces. His intense engagement with the contemporary art world solidified his standing as an influential figure.

Bates’ style was characterized by a distinct use of allegory, symbolism, and the portrayal of man as a subject under the influence of external forces. His work often explored the tension between destiny and free will, using bold colors, dynamic compositions, and distorted forms to evoke deep emotional responses. His figures were often strange and grotesque, with exaggerated, angular features designed to provoke strong reactions from the viewer.

Throughout his career, Bates became known for his expressive figurative paintings, which remain some of the most powerful works in Canadian art. Since 1960, he has been the subject of numerous retrospective exhibitions at major institutions, including the Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Art Gallery of Alberta.

Bates was honored with the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1971, and that same year, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary. In 1980, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada, solidifying his legacy as one of Canada’s most significant artistic voices.

His works are held in prestigious public collections, such as the National Gallery of Canada, Glenbow Museum, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Tate Gallery in London, ensuring his lasting influence on the Canadian and international art scenes.