Women war artists at the forefront of newest exhibition at the Canadian War Museum

Tashi Farmilo

The Canadian War Museum unveils its latest exhibition, Outside the Lines – Women Artists and War, which presents an evocative exploration of war through the eyes of 52 women artists. This exhibition, open now until January 5, 2025, in the Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae Gallery, highlights the evolution of women's perspectives on war and Canada's military history over nearly two centuries.

Outside the Lines features over 70 works from the esteemed Beaverbrook Collection of War Art, renowned for its comprehensive military art collection. The exhibition encompasses a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, photography, and film. Notable artists such as Molly Lamb Bobak, Paraskeva Clark, Daphne Odjig, Rosalie Favell, and Gertrude Kearns are prominently featured.

James Whitham, Director General of the Canadian War Museum, emphasized the exhibition's significance. "Outside the Lines is a fresh and engaging look at this country's military history through the eyes of women. Women have traditionally been overlooked in accounts of wars. With this important exhibition, we are proud to be shining a much-deserved spotlight on women artists and their perspectives."

The exhibition does not shy away from difficult and unexpected subject matter. Drawings by Beothuk artist Shanawdithit document the destruction of her community. Lillian Yano Blakey's paintings challenge the internment of Japanese Canadians. An experimental film by Joyce Wieland uses pet gerbils to depict American draft resisters' escape to Canada. A quilt by Ozell and George Borden commemorates an all-Black battalion, while knitted landmines by Barb Hunt bring attention to the hidden dangers of war.

The exhibition is organized into four chronological and thematic zones, with an introduction and conclusion. The final zone showcases new artwork created specifically for the exhibition by Elise Lavallee Findlay, the War Museum's first-ever artist-in-residence. Her work serves as a bridge linking the past, present and future of war art, reflecting on the contributions of the artists featured in the exhibition. For more details on this event and the full programming schedule, visitors are encouraged to visit warmuseum.ca.

Photo caption: The Canadian War Museum's new exhibition, Outside the Lines – Women Artists and War, is open now and until January 5, 2025. It showcases nearly two centuries of war art from 52 women artists, highlighting their unique perspectives on Canada's military history. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Canadian War Museum