Date: 1981
Size: 25.5 x 39.5 inches
Artist: Vittorio Fiorucci
Vittorio Fiorucci (1932-2008) was an Italian Canadian poster artist from Montreal, Canada. The designer of over 300 art posters, 8 Time magazine covers, the mascot for Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival, and the logo for the clothing chain Le Chateau, originally intended to become a writer. Having won several awards for his written work by the age of 19, he left his home in Italy with a thirst for adventure and the desire to put pen to paper. Quite by happenstance he landed in Montreal, where his inability to communicate in English or French steered him towards drawing, where language wasn't needed to illustrate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. In fact before becoming important advertisements or campaigns, many of his posters began as doodles on restaurant napkins!
Described as a man with tremendous energy and passion, it was inevitable that his posters be as spontaneous and bold as their creator. His imagery can usually be categorized as either abstract or of a fictional narrative with fantastical creatures. He was able to convey all kinds of emotions through his made-up characters, but his favourite was when he could give a cheeky wink to the viewer, inviting them in on the joke.
This abstract poster was made to advertize the National Ballet of Canada's latest ballet, "Newcomers" choreographed by Brian Macdonald. It was commissioned by a Canadian company, Imperial Oil, on a threefold basis - to recognize the oil company's own 100th anniversary; to create a ballet celebrating Canadian history through its immigrant contribution; to base the ballet itself on a television series on the same subject, also commissioned by Imperial Oil. It premiered in Toronto in early March 1981. Poster is hand-signed by the artist and unlined with slight signs of wear in upper right hand corner (see photo).