John Hartman’s Captivating Islands

Islands is a major exhibition of new paintings and watercolours by acclaimed Canadian artist John Hartman, inspired by recent travels.

Hartman’s new body of work flows from recent travels to Sikinos (Greece), Bermuda, and Newfoundland and “marks an exciting continuation of his exploration into the connection between people, place, and memory,” says Nicholas Metivier Gallery, which represents him. 

In the summer of 2024, Hartman visited Sikinos, a small island in the Cyclades between mainland Greece and Crete. He brought along his watercolour supplies and sketched en plein air, taking advantage of the elevated vantage points from the hilly terrain.

Upon returning to his studio in Lafontaine, Ontario, Hartman discovered a compelling link between the visual and atmospheric qualities of Sikinos, Bermuda, and Newfoundland — particularly the luminous light and unique characteristics that have been shaped by their insular geographies.

This video is a glimpse at Hartman’s inspiration, and why he has always been drawn to the unique landscapes and cultures of islands.

Hartman’s work often combines aerial landscape, narrative and figurative elements to express the essence of place. He has said his aerial perspective (as in Islands) originates from his childhood dreams of flying; imagining the landscape unfurling like a roll of film below him.

Works from Hartman’s Islands exhibition are presented in a Flip Book and in a Viewing Room at Nicholas Metivier, here. The exhibition runs through June 27.

A previous Art Junkie article on John Hartman’s drypoint printmaking, here.

Much more about John Hartman on his artist page at Nicholas Metivier, here.

More about his longstanding connection with Newfoundland, at Christina Parker Gallery, here.