Shadows 

Franklin Carmichael created "Shadows" with oil on board. Carmichael, like the other members of the Group of Seven, was committed to establishing a distinctly Canadian art, one that spoke to the unique geography and spirit of the nation. This landscape, with its rugged rocks and sparse vegetation, speaks to the perception of the Canadian Shield as a northern wilderness, an idea that shaped the country’s identity. The work’s title, "Shadows," and the prominent display of these darkened areas, suggests a contemplation on the hidden, less visible aspects of the Canadian experience. Produced in the early to mid-20th century, this work reflects Canada's increasing self-awareness as a nation, which developed through movements in art. To fully understand this work, we might look at the exhibition histories of the Group of Seven, the writings of art critics at the time, or even government policies around national identity and cultural promotion.