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“I think women just want to be individuals,

no more and no less ” (Agnes Macphail, 1922)
A Y Jackson’s A Copse, Evening was
painted in 1918

Agnes Macphail

Painting Canadian Landscapes

In 1920 several young painters banded together to paint Canadian landscapes with
Agnes Macphail
bright colours and lively forms These painters called themselves the Group of Seven
In 1921 voters in southern Ontario elected the first female Member of
The group included Lawren Harris, A Y Jackson, Arthur Lismer, J E H MacDonald,
Parliament Agnes Macphail, a 31-year-old teacher, focused her work on farm and
Franklin Carmichael, Franz Johnston, and F H Varley They did not follow old-fashioned labour issues During her tenure, she fought against stereotypes and ridicule in

artistic rules Their paintings looked different from other artwork The critics did not order to do her job Macphail fought hard for women’s rights She also advocated
for better jails At this time prisoners lived in terrible conditions She served in
like this new style However, after a positive exhibition of their work overseas, Canadian
federal and provincial governments for more than 30 years She blazed a path for

critics came to appreciate their work other women in politics

26 Find a related web link at canada150.beechstreetbooks.ca 27