Riopelle (
1923-
2002) was a
Montréalais artist born
October 7, 1923. He studied in
Québec's "
École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal" and the "
École du Meuble" in the
1940s. He specialised in
painting and
sculpture, and produced
lithographs since the
1960s.
He moved to Paris, and at 30 years of age, he became well-known in the city's Bohemian culture.
Riopelle is considered one of the great names of modern art, and his works can be found in important public and private collections within and without of Canada.
He had several honourary doctorates, and was awarded "le prix Paul-Émile Borduas" in 1981, and the "Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris" in 1985. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada since 1975 until his death.
Riopelle died on March 12, 2002 at home in Ile-aux-Grues, Québec.