The Conquered Mountain print was acquired by purchase from the artist in 1973. There were six prints acquired from the artist at this time 1973.003.001 – 1973.003.006. These were very early acquisitions into the AFA collection as they were acquired in March 1973 and the art collection was formed in September 1972. We can't wait to celebrate AFA's Art Collection 50th anniversary.
The artist created a constructed painting with a similar title in 1991, Clearcut: Conquered Mountain – revisiting the theme of man’s intervention on nature and essentially creating a “manufactured landscape”. The AFA acquired the painting in 1995.
Travelling Exhibition
Curated for the AFA's Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX) by The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie - Northwest Alberta, Conquered Mountain is currently on display in its "Fantastic Worlds" exhibit until March 27, 2022.
- TREX strives to ensure every Albertan is provided the opportunity to enjoy fully developed exhibitions in schools, libraries, health care centres and smaller rural institutions and galleries throughout the province
We welcome you to view it through the AFA's Virtual Museum or see it in person at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie.
About the artist
John K. Esler is well-known in the Calgary arts community and has helped to raise the profile of printmaking in the province.
He taught at the University of Calgary in 1968 until the 1980s. He encouraged his students to experiment, to make art with a mind open to unexpected possibilities.
His artwork is exhibited widely throughout Canada and abroad and he is represented in many public and private collections, including the AFA Art Collection.
Art Acquisitions by Application
Did you know that Albertan artists can apply to have their artwork acquired by the AFA through the Art Acquisitions by Application program?
The next deadline is April 1! Review the guidelines if you’re interested in submitting your artwork to have it be considered for acquisition.
Image description
The abstract etching printed on paper is split into two halves: on the bottom half, various squares and rectangles in tones of yellow, grey and black are squeezed into a forced perspective that creates a path towards the bluish green mountains on the top half. The grey mountain tops are sutured to the top of the image by criss-cross black strings.