Arthur Fortescue (Art) McKay
(Canadian, 1926–2000)
Mandala, 1967
Enamel on masonite panel
Panel: 48 × 48 in. (121.9 × 121.9 cm)
Framed: 50.5 × 50.5 in. (128.3 × 128.3 cm)
Inscriptions: Signed and dated "A.F. MCKAY / 67" on reverse
Executed in 1967, Mandala is a large-format square composition by Regina Five master Art McKay. Measuring over four feet square, the work features a central, radiating circular disk rendered in textured shades of bronze, brown, and black, set against a rich blue background.
McKay produced these central compositions using a subtractive technique with industrial enamel on masonite hardboard. By applying multiple layers and dragging a blade across the wet surface, he built a dense wheel of fine ridges, pitted textures, and linear channels. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, the radiating circular form represents a meditative focal point, capturing what McKay described as a state of "tranquil imbalance."
While many of McKay's circular works feature neutral brown or black grounds, this panel utilizes a vibrant blue field, creating strong visual contrast with the metallic tones of the central disk.
Core member of the historic Regina Five, featured in the National Gallery of Canada's landmark 1961 exhibition Five Painters from Regina.
Coordinated the 1957 and 1959 Emma Lake Artists' Workshops, inviting key figures such as Will Barnet and Barnett Newman.
Selected by American critic Clement Greenberg for the landmark 1964 Post-Painterly Abstraction exhibition at LACMA.
Honored with a comprehensive career retrospective organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 1997.
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC)
MacKenzie Art Gallery (Regina, SK)
Remai Modern (Saskatoon, SK)
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts / MMFA (Montreal, QC)
Arthur Fortescue (Art) McKay
(Canadian, 1926–2000)
Mandala, 1967
Enamel on masonite panel
Panel: 48 × 48 in. (121.9 × 121.9 cm)
Framed: 50.5 × 50.5 in. (128.3 × 128.3 cm)
Inscriptions: Signed and dated "A.F. MCKAY / 67" on reverse
Executed in 1967, Mandala is a large-format square composition by Regina Five master Art McKay. Measuring over four feet square, the work features a central, radiating circular disk rendered in textured shades of bronze, brown, and black, set against a rich blue background.
McKay produced these central compositions using a subtractive technique with industrial enamel on masonite hardboard. By applying multiple layers and dragging a blade across the wet surface, he built a dense wheel of fine ridges, pitted textures, and linear channels. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, the radiating circular form represents a meditative focal point, capturing what McKay described as a state of "tranquil imbalance."
While many of McKay's circular works feature neutral brown or black grounds, this panel utilizes a vibrant blue field, creating strong visual contrast with the metallic tones of the central disk.
Core member of the historic Regina Five, featured in the National Gallery of Canada's landmark 1961 exhibition Five Painters from Regina.
Coordinated the 1957 and 1959 Emma Lake Artists' Workshops, inviting key figures such as Will Barnet and Barnett Newman.
Selected by American critic Clement Greenberg for the landmark 1964 Post-Painterly Abstraction exhibition at LACMA.
Honored with a comprehensive career retrospective organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 1997.
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC)
MacKenzie Art Gallery (Regina, SK)
Remai Modern (Saskatoon, SK)
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts / MMFA (Montreal, QC)
