Joyce Wieland (1931-1998) was one of the most accomplished and versatile Canadian artists of the 20th century. Emerging on the Toronto art scene at the beginning of the 1960s, over the course of her career Wieland explored the role of women, the body, nationalism, and intimacy using a variety of mediums.

As well as drawing and painting, the artist utilized untraditional materials such as quilts and lipstick. Traditionally seen as feminine and craft-like, Wieland renegotiated the ‘low art’ or inherently misogynistic labels of these materials, engaging with feminist dialogue in subject matter and medium. 

After a lengthy and often frustrating sejour in New York City, Wieland returned to Toronto. Her marriage to fellow Canadian artist, Michael Snow, had dissolved. During the 1970's Wieland was consumed by creating a feature-length film entitled "The Far Shore" about Tom Thompson and a love triangle. Gradually in the 80's Wieland became reunited and recommitted to her visual art production, and embraced mythology, feminist discourse, ecology and themes of sexuality and intimacy.

“Two Lovers” depicts a familiar subject matter to Wieland’s oeuvre, as the two main figures are encompassed by erotic and dismembered body parts. The drawing on the recto displays a possible study for these two central figures on the verso. 

This intimate yet intricate work is a fine example of Wieland's style and interests from the last period of her fascinating life. 

Wieland established new benchmarks for what was possible for a female artist to achieve. Notably, she was the first female artist to have a solo exhibition at the National Gallery (Ottawa) in 1971.

Wieland's works can be found in numerous public collections across Canada including the  Museum London and the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto). 

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Signed and dated by the artist.

Red ink and colored pencil (verso) on paper

6"H 9"W (work)

Very good condition (detailed condition report upon request).