To view image click on "Access Content Now" above "The bold colour and simplified geometric shapes in this early silkscreen by Richard Lacroix are exemplary of his carefully orchestrated approach to abstraction. A master printmaker, Lacroix is remembered for pioneering the use of colour in etching. He has also been a strong advocate for the medium of print-making, working to establish that artist-made prints are "original" works of art. His work has helped raise the profile of the print medium. Lacroix, Joseph Samuel Richard, (1939- ) was born in Montreal. He learned etching, lithography, silk-screen and block printing in Montréal with the surrealist influenced artist, Albert Dumouchel. From 1961-64, Lacroix studied in Paris with the innovative printmaker Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17, learning the newly invented method of simultaneous color printing. Returning to Canada, Lacroix set up a print studio and invited his artist colleagues to work with him and try new techniques. In 1964, Lacroix and several other artists formed a collective, “Fusion des arts” with the goal to make popular art prints that reflected the social concerns of the times. The 1960s in Quebec were a period of significant social change, known today as the Quiet Revolution. In 1966, Lacroix established a print distribution group, La guilde graphique. At this time, the political actions of the “Fusion des arts” collective resulted in police raids on their offices. The group lost their commission for Expo 67, although Lacroix ended up participating by organizing an exhibition, and showing a kinetic sculpture. In 1985, two survey exhibitions of his work took place in Montréal, at Musée du Québec, and at the Galerie Estampe Plus. Lacroix’s artwork is held in public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Canada."
