25 x 54.5 in (63.5 x 138.4 cm) including frame
Tony Tascona was a key practitioner of modern and abstract painting in Western Canada, helping to introduce non-objective art to the prairies. The Procession (1959) is an important example of his early period work, created before he transitioned to the industrial materials and hard-edged geometric style for which he is most widely known. During the late 1950s, Tascona’s aesthetic was heavily influenced by Abstract Expressionism, characterized by a more gestural and painterly approach.
In this work, Tascona utilizes a horizontal composition to suggest a rhythmic, moving forms—fitting for the title The Procession. Unlike his later aerospace-inspired works on metal, this oil on panel features a varied surface of thick and thin applications. The palette is dominated by a vibrant green background that contrasts with a central band of creamy whites, deep blacks, and earthy reds. The shapes are organic and loosely defined, showing an artist exploring the relationship between color and weight. This painting captures Tascona at a formative stage, demonstrating the sophisticated sense of balance and space that would remain a constant throughout his long career.
Thomas Hendry, Winnipeg
By decent to the present Private Collection, Toronto
Achieving the Modern; Canadian Abstract Painting and Design in the 1950, Winnipeg Art Gallery
(Includes Buyer's Premium)
Tony Tascona
Tony Tascona (1926–2006) was a Canadian artist known for his innovative use of industrial materials in geometric abstraction. Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, he was the fifteenth of sixteen children in a working-class family. His early life was shaped by economic hardship, leading him to work as a truck driver at age 15 to support his family. In 1946, following a brief stint in the army, he enrolled at the Winnipeg School of Art, where he was introduced to abstraction by instructor Joe Plaskett. He later continued his studies at the University of Manitoba School of Art.
After graduating in 1950, Tascona took a job as a technician at Trans-Canada Airlines (now Air Canada), where he was exposed to materials such as aluminum, lacquer, and industrial paints. This experience directly influenced his artistic practice, as he began experimenting with synthetic materials and adopting techniques from industrial design. His early work was expressive, utilizing thick glazes and impastos, but by the 1960s, he shifted towards a more structured, hard-edge geometric style.
In 1962, Tascona moved to Montreal, where he was influenced by the geometric abstraction of artists like Guido Molinari and Claude Tousignant. His work became increasingly refined, featuring meticulously arranged lacquered aluminum panels. Two years later, he returned to Winnipeg, further simplifying his compositions and exploring shape, color, and space in new ways. His 1963 commission for the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his ability to merge industrial materials with artistic vision.
Throughout his career, Tascona exhibited widely in Canada and internationally, participating in solo and group shows. His work was collected by major institutions, and he received numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada in 1996 and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Winnipeg in 1994. In addition to his artistic contributions, he served on the Board of Trustees at the National Gallery of Canada from 1997 to 1999.
Tascona remained active in the arts until his death in 2006, continuously refining his approach to abstraction. His legacy is marked by his unique fusion of industry and fine art, positioning him as a key figure in Canadian modernism.
Major Spring Fine Art Auction
May 7 - May 28, 2026
661 Wall St, Winnipeg MB
(204) 255-5690
mayberryfineart.com
[email protected]
Contact us to make an appointment to preview this item or to sell similar works.
|
Bidding Range
|
Increment
|
|---|---|
| $0.00 - $50.00 | $1.00 |
| $50.00 - $100.00 | $5.00 |
| $100.00 - $500.00 | $10.00 |
| $500.00 - $1,000.00 | $25.00 |
| $1,000.00 - $5,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 | $200.00 |
| $20,000.00 - $50,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $100,000.00+ | $5,000.00 |
Login or register a BidLots.com account to participate in any auction. Track specific lots and artists with real-time notifications on all bidding activity.
Bidding approval requires three simple steps:
1. Create a Bid Lots account
2. Confirm your email address
3. Create a valid billing profile
Bid Lots and/or the auctioneer may choose to revoke your bidding privileges if your account is not in good standing or your activity is in conflict with our standard terms and conditions of sale.
The buyer’s premium is an additional percentage charged to the winning bidder. The buyer’s premiums may vary from auction to auction, typically ranging from 10% to 20%. Buyer’s premiums will be displayed on detailed lot listings and paddle registration forms.
Bidding begins at the reserve price and advances at set increments based on the bidding range. The specific bidding increments may vary from auction to auction, however the next bid and subsequent increments will always be clearly defined on detailed lot listings. Maximum Bids and Single Bids can only be placed within the pre-defined bidding increments ensuring that no two bidders can place identical bids on an item. View individual lot detail pages to see a complete range of bidding increments for that item.
Requests to cancel a single bid are at the sole descretion of the auctioneer. Maximum bids can be increased but cannot be decreased unless premitted by the auctioneer. Requests to cancel a bid or to alter a maximum bid will be denied if the specific lot is scheduled to close in less than 24 hours or if the lot has significant interest or activity.
To request that a bid be cancelled or to change a maximum bid use the "Ask a question" button on the detailed lot listing.
You will receive an email notification when you have successfully won an auction. You will also see the item listed on your "Bidding Results" page and if you are logged into the site you will see a highlighted message on the auction catalogue pages and auction listings.
Shipping requirements may vary on different items depending on location and size or weight of an item. When registering for a specific auction you will be provided options to clarify your preferred shipping instructions. The auctioneer will also review and provide specific shipping quotes or options following the close of an auction. If you have specific shipping requirements or are unsure of the shipping constraints on a specific item please contact the auctioneer prior to bidding.
Following the close of an auction the auctioneer will provide a detailed invoice for all items you have won. They may contact you before a final invoice is prepared to confirm or review specific shipping instructions. Payment is due once a final invoice is provided and can be submitted online by credit card, or made by EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer), bank draft or international wire transfer. Any outstanding balance will be automatically charged to your registered credit card 5 days following the close of an auction.