“Jock Macdonald’s works caught my attention at first glance, but what truly inspired me was Macdonald’s story: his pursuit of beauty through abstract art, and his philosophy of deriving beauty from nature. He was one of the critical figures in defining contemporary art in Canada. Inspired by Macdonald, I attempt to recreate that connection between beauty, nature, and the present. My piece takes inspiration from Macdonald’s technique as well as style to depict the contemporary threat that looms over the beauty and peace of nature. I imagined how Macdonald would warn the world of the consequences that the unfolding conflict in our world today might bring – while also reassuring us that beauty can still be found in nature amidst the chaos of conflict. Jock Macdonald sets an example of what an artist should be. His work not only inspired others to paint differently, but also to think differently.”

—Simon Huang (Grade 12, Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary School, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia)

In the mid-twentieth century, Jock Macdonald (1897-1960) became one of the most radical artists in Canada, experimenting with abstract visual language in bold ways that brought together his fascination with science, nature, and the solar system.