It all started in Macklin, Saskatchewan for Agnes Martin, one of North America's most influential abstract painters. Now, a piece of her artwork will be on display at Remai Modern in Saskatoon next year. The museum has become the first in Western Canada to acquire a globally-celebrated painting by Martin, and the third in Canada to own one of her works.
Although Martin died in 2004, her world-renowned painting titled Tranquility (2000) will hang on the walls of the museum. Composed of ivory and lavender bands, it serves as a reminder of her Saskatchewan roots. Growing up, Martin was inspired by the transcendent qualities of paintings by Mark Rothko and Ad Reinhardt. She is known for her minimalist approach, according to the gallery.
"This painting is a stunning example of the qualities that make Martin's work so special, from the uncanny way her painting style absorbs and reflects light to her signature pencil lines," Remai Modern CEO Aileen Burns said during Thursday's announcement at the museum.
Director of operations at Remai Modern, Michelle Jacques, said the painting was purchased from Pace Gallery in New York, which has many of Martin's paintings on display. Tranquility is tied to her interest in spirituality and meditative practices associated with Buddhism, she added.
Ellen Remai, lead of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, wanted to add a piece for "quite a while." She has gifted more than $110 million in artwork since 2012 to the museum to make the acquisition of the painting possible. Martin's work is also held in collections around the world, including MOMA in New York, SFMOMA in San Francisco, Tate in London, and Centre Pompidou in Paris.
"When you stand in front of one of her paintings long enough, the lines almost dissolve. The paintings are less about systems and more about perception, attention, and the feeling itself," Jacques said.
Tranquility will likely be in rotation when displayed and part of an upcoming suite of exhibitions in 2027 that celebrate Remai Modern's 10th anniversary. It is expected to be part of an exhibition called "forecast" that focuses on climate, weather, and motivations for artists.
"To welcome Tranquility into the collection of Remai Modern feels especially meaningful here on the prairies, where Martin was born and where that sensibility was first formed," Jacques said. "I can't imagine a more fitting home for this painting."
