Sic Transit Gloria Mundi

Additional Information

Myles MacDonald Sic Transit Gloria Mundi ( detail) 1998 to 2001, acrylic on linen, gold leaf, fire damaged diamond chips

This exhibition presents one major painting and related studies by this Prince Albert area artist. For over three years, MacDonald has been working on the painting with the title Sic Transit Gloria Mundi (thus passes the glory of the world). Macdonald's obsessively detailed painting represents a fragment of ruined Gothic architecture in a forested Northern Shield landscape; a potent symbol of Canadian identity. MacDonald's intention in this work is to reflect contemporary social life as well as his own life as an artist. His painted architecture functions as a microcosm of the artists' world, containing images not only of human folly, but of loss and of celebration. Within this architectural framework, MacDonald has painted a complex array of portraits. These include Canadian politicians such as John Diefenbaker with the Avro Arrow, Pierre Trudeau with Roy Romanow in his lap and portraits of friends, as well as family who have influenced his work. This painting distills and sums up McDonald's interests as an artist over the years: the relationship between portraiture and landscape, an interest in fine craftsmanship, ancient and Medieval history and sardonic humour. In its overall conception, MacDonald sees his work as a kind of Baroque opera set with " intricate mixtures of seriousness, sheer entertainment and almost slapstick comedy and humour."