Horizontals and Verticals

early life and teaching career

Hortense Crompton Mattice, later known as Hortense Mattice Gordon, was born on November 24, 1886, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Before gaining recognition as an artist, Gordon taught art for thirty years at a technical school in her hometown. This formative experience instilled in her a deep understanding of artistic principles and the importance of disseminating knowledge within the broader community. Her passion for visual arts began early on, earning her a scholarship at eight for Saturday morning classes at the Hamilton Art School—a testament to her innate talent and dedication from a young age. By seventeen, she pursued her education part-time at the Hamilton Technical and Art School, furthering her artistic development while simultaneously preparing for a fulfilling career beyond the classroom. Moving to Chatham, Ontario, to reside with relatives, Gordon broadened her horizons and exposed herself to diverse cultural influences—particularly during visits to Detroit museums and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC., where she encountered groundbreaking works by Picasso and Matisse, artists who profoundly impacted her artistic sensibilities. Her commitment to fostering creativity extended beyond her teaching role; she actively championed art’s integration into industrial settings, recognizing its crucial contribution to economic prosperity and societal advancement. Gordon's pedagogical approach emphasized not only technical skills but also critical thinking—encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with artistic concepts and expressions.

artistic career and style

Gordon’s artistic journey truly blossomed in later life, propelled by a relentless pursuit of innovation and experimentation. Embracing abstraction as her primary stylistic medium, she distinguished herself from many contemporaries who favored representational art forms. Her membership in Painters Eleven—a collective renowned for its collaborative spirit and commitment to exploring uncharted artistic territories—marked a pivotal moment in her career. Founded in 1953, Painters Eleven represented a bold challenge to prevailing artistic conventions, fostering dialogue and pushing boundaries within the Canadian art scene. The group’s ethos of shared vision and mutual support provided Gordon with invaluable encouragement and inspiration as she honed her distinctive aesthetic voice. Her debut solo exhibition in New York City in 1952 garnered considerable acclaim—a triumphant culmination of decades dedicated to artistic exploration and self-expression. Influenced by Hans Hofmann's “push/pull” spatial theories, Gordon’s canvases achieved remarkable depth and complexity through careful manipulation of color, form, and texture. She drew inspiration from Cezanne’s method of emphasizing the dimensions of the canvas—a technique that mirrored her own desire to transcend conventional artistic boundaries. Her early landscapes gradually transitioned into Cubist explorations, reflecting a fascination with geometric abstraction and challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality. By the 1930s, Gordon embraced abstract Expressionism—a movement characterized by spontaneity and emotional intensity—demonstrating her willingness to embrace new artistic paradigms.

contributions and legacy

Hortense Mattice Gordon’s unwavering dedication to art education and her pioneering adoption of modernist styles cemented her place as a cornerstone of Canadian artistic history. Her influence extended beyond her own creative output, shaping the intellectual landscape of Hamilton and fostering a vibrant artistic community. She actively organized art talks and exhibitions—promoting engagement with contemporary art and nurturing talent among aspiring artists. Gordon’s involvement in organizations like the Women's Art Association of Hamilton and the Contemporary Artists of Hamilton underscored her commitment to supporting fellow creatives and advocating for inclusivity within the arts realm. Her tireless advocacy championed the importance of artistic expression as a catalyst for social change—reflecting her belief that art could serve as a powerful tool for fostering dialogue and promoting understanding. Gordon’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists—whose work echoes her pioneering spirit and unwavering conviction in the transformative power of visual arts.

notable artworks and collections

Her canvases, such as *Orange and Yellows, Bound in Space* and *Horizontals and Verticals*, exemplify her masterful command of abstraction—capturing ethereal beauty through carefully considered compositional arrangements and harmonious color palettes. These works are housed in prestigious collections across North America, including those at WahooArt’s gallery, where they serve as enduring symbols of Canadian artistic innovation.

museums and galleries featuring similar artists

The Staatsgalerie Moderne Kunst in Munich, Germany, showcases an impressive array of modernist masterpieces—many of which share stylistic affinities with Hortense Gordon's oeuvre. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of European art history at WahooArt’s museum collection. Similarly, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Ontario, United States, presents a compelling selection of Canadian landscape paintings—reflecting the influence of nature on artists like Gordon. Discover more about Tom Thomson and his artistic vision at WahooArt's museum collection.

key dates

* November 24, 1886: born in hamilton, ontario, canada * 1952: first solo exhibition in new york city * november 6, 1961: passed away in hamilton, ontario, canada