Kenneth Michael Kirkby, a talented painter with Viking heritage, passed away
29 June, 20232 min read
Kenneth Michael Kirkby, a painter with a lineage tracing back to Rurik the Viking, passed away at 82. Despite starting his life amidst the chaos of an air raid in London in 1940, Ken displayed remarkable resilience and perseverance.
At age sixteen, Ken held his first exhibition in Lisbon, which received critical acclaim and sold out at the opening. He then moved to Canada after the revolution in Portugal in 1958. Ken found work in northwestern British Columbia and spent the next five years travelling across the Canadian Arctic.
During a solitary walk in the tundra, Ken discovered an "Inukshuk," a massive stone cairn built in the likeness of a human. This inspired his creation of "Isumataq," the world's largest oil-on-canvas painting. Despite initial disinterest in his "Inukshuk" paintings, Ken's tenacity led to the recognition of his masterpiece. It brought attention to the realities of the North.
After this success, Ken turned his attention to the plight of the salmon in British Columbia's rivers. He became the president of the Nile Creek Enhancement Society in 2006 after a decade of dedicated work. Ken leveraged his art and networks to fundraise for the Society, which actively worked to rejuvenate creeks and revive essential salmon habitats.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Ken was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 1993. His work resides in prestigious public and private collections, including those of several members of the British Royal Family, former Canadian Prime Ministers Jean Chrétien and Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and The National Gallery of Canada.
Ken's legacy extends beyond his art and is a beacon for environmental conservation and social awareness. He is survived by his wife, artist Nana Cook, and his son Michael. Ken's life and work are a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and dedication, and his indelible impact will continue to inspire future generations and bring attention to the causes he held dear.
Paul Jorgensen’s work appeals to a broad range of art lovers, from those who appreciate the technical mastery of his brushwork to those who are drawn to his ability to create scenes filled with imagination and joy. His paintings aren’t simply landscapes; they’re a celebration of life, colour, and fantasy.
Marquis’s work goes beyond just looking beautiful—it tells stories through the materials she uses and the historical elements she includes. The textures, colour shifts, and hidden references come together to create pieces that are rich with meaning. Each painting offers something unique, whether it’s through the figures that seem to emerge from the trees or the landscapes that change as you view them.
This trilogy was featured at the West End Gallery in 1987 and was described by the Edmonton Journal as some of the most haunting pieces ever exhibited at the Edmonton Art Gallery. The trilogy's presence in our gallery underscores its significance and the lasting impact of Blackwood's work.