Ghitta Caiserman-Roth

Ghitta Caiserman-Roth

Ghitta Caiserman-Roth, painter (b at Montréal 2 Mar 1923; d there 25 Nov 2005). Caiserman-Roth is an outstanding example of the creativity of women artists that has characterized a century of artistic activity in Montréal. Caiserman-Roth's studies in New York led to work characterized by a strong social orientation and expressionist style (Backyard, 1948). In the early 1950s she began exploring domestic and studio interiors, self-portraits and portraits of her child and of anonymous models, handling these subjects with quiet and disturbing intensity. Throughout the years certain themes and images in her work were repeated - the harlequin, the "Flying Wallendas," the deliberate confusion of interior and exterior space, the human figure imprinted on abandoned clothes, lawn chairs, sheets (Bedscape with Shadow, 1978). In 1984 she had her first New York show, at the Dyansen Gallery. She helped establish the Montréal Artists School and has taught at Sir George Williams University and the Saidye Bronfman Centre. Her work is represented in numerous Canadian public collections, including that of the NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA, and in 2000 she was awarded a Governor General's Award in recognition of her accomplishment.