Wim Blom
Wim Blom, born Willem Adriaan Blom on February 22, 1927, in Germiston, South Africa († January 18, 2021), was a remarkable artist
whose precise and timeless work reflected the depth of his character. Wim moved to Canada in September 1959 and later became a
Canadian citizen, embracing this country as his true home. We were deeply fortunate that he chose to root his life in Canada and share
his vision here. In time, Wim moved to Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, where he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his painting.
Remembered as one of South Africa’s most important painters, he leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and touch all
who encounter his work.”
Here are some key points about Wim Blom:
1.
Artistic Journey:
•
Wim received his Fine Arts MA degrees from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
•
He pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of Perugia in Italy.
•
As an art historian, he held positions such as Research Curator at the National Gallery of Canada.
•
His artistic journey took him to Italy, Spain, and other parts of Europe.
2.
Realism and Contemplation:
•
Wim Blom adopted an intensely realistic approach to painting still lifes and images of uninhabited interiors.
•
His work invites private contemplation, appealing to those who appreciate form, color, texture, and light.
•
While faithful to the objects he represented, his realism transcended reality, submerged beneath poetic transformation.
3.
Collections and Exhibitions:
•
His work is represented in public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the South African National Gallery, and
The Royal Scottish Academy.
•
Numerous corporate and private collections worldwide feature Wim Blom’s art.
•
He exhibited internationally, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
4. Appointments
•
Commissioner for Canadian Entries at the Venice Biennale and Sáo Paolo Bienal
•
Curatorial Administrator, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON
•
Research Curator, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON
•
Editor of the Bulletin of the National Gallery of Canada
•
Assistant to the Curator, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON
•
Lecturer, Department of Fine Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
•
Instructor in drawing, Johannesburg Art School, Johannesburg, South Africa
Known for his innovative approach, Wim Blom continually pushes the boundaries of traditional painting. Whether through abstract
explorations or more representational work, his art invites reflection and dialogue, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary
Canadian art. His exhibitions, both in Canada and internationally, underscore his commitment to evolving his artistic vision and
engaging audiences with works that resonate on both emotional and intellectual levels.
“Wim Blom was one of South Africa’s most important painters, and we were fortunate to have him make Canada his
permanent home. Wim leaves behind a legacy that continues to captivate art enthusiasts.”
THE BEAUTY OF STILLNESS
Wim Blom
Wim Blom, born Willem Adriaan Blom on February 22, 1927, in
Germiston, South Africa († January 18, 2021), was a remarkable artist
whose precise and timeless work reflected the depth of his character.
Wim moved to Canada in September 1959 and later became a
Canadian citizen, embracing this country as his true home. We were
deeply fortunate that he chose to root his life in Canada and share his
vision here. In time, Wim moved to Salt Spring Island, British
Columbia, where he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his painting.
Remembered as one of South Africa’s most important painters, he
leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and touch all who
encounter his work.”
Here are some key points about Wim Blom:
1.
Artistic Journey:
•
Wim received his Fine Arts MA degrees from the University of
Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
•
He pursued post-graduate studies at the University of
Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of Perugia in Italy.
•
As an art historian, he held positions such as Research Curator
at the National Gallery of Canada.
•
His artistic journey took him to Italy, Spain, and other parts of
Europe.
2.
Realism and Contemplation:
•
Wim Blom adopted an intensely realistic approach to painting
still lifes and images of uninhabited interiors.
•
His work invites private contemplation, appealing to those who
appreciate form, color, texture, and light.
•
While faithful to the objects he represented, his realism
transcended reality, submerged beneath poetic transformation.
3.
Collections and Exhibitions:
•
His work is represented in public collections, including the
National Gallery of Canada, the South African National Gallery,
and The Royal Scottish Academy.
•
Numerous corporate and private collections worldwide feature
Wim Blom’s art.
•
He exhibited internationally, leaving an indelible mark on the
art world.
•
4. Appointments
Commissioner for Canadian Entries at the Venice Biennale and
Sáo Paolo Bienal
Curatorial Administrator, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa,
ON
Research Curator, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, ON
Editor of the Bulletin of the National Gallery of Canada
Assistant to the Curator, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON
Lecturer, Department of Fine Arts, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Instructor in drawing, Johannesburg Art School, Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Known for his innovative approach, Wim Blom continually
pushes the boundaries of traditional painting. Whether through
abstract explorations or more representational work, his art
invites reflection and dialogue, making him a distinctive voice in
contemporary Canadian art. His exhibitions, both in Canada
and internationally, underscore his commitment to evolving his
artistic vision and engaging audiences with works that resonate
on both emotional and intellectual levels.
THE BEAUTY OF STILLNESS