[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Wallace_eagles.jpg” caption=”Man Releasing Eagles, a welded steel sculpture by professor emeritus George Wallace, is one of the most well-known sculptures on campus. Photo courtesy of RoseAnne Prevec.”]George Wallace's welded steel sculpture, Man Releasing Eagles, in the Arts Quadrangle is one of the most familiar and celebrated sculptures on McMaster's campus.

The latest exhibition at the McMaster Museum of Art offers an opportunity to see more art by this noted Canadian artist and professor emeritus in a wider range of media. Selections from the Museum's collection of 112 works by Wallace, including prints, drawings and sculptures will be on display until Oct. 11.

In addition to sculpting, Wallace was also an active printmaker. He worked primarily in intaglio printmaking processes of etching, aquatint and drypoint while he was teaching and later began to produce monoprints. In all media, the human figure in biblical or mythological subjects or ordinary life has been an ongoing interest.

Arts reviewer and former student Regina Haggo wrote, “I was in awe of his sharp wit. His art, too, is witty and satirical, yet it also portrays pathos and tragedy. In short, he exposes human folly and frailty.”

Wallace was born in Ireland in 1920 and studied at Trinity College in Dublin and the West of England College of Art in Bristol before immigrating to Canada in the late 1950s. He taught art at McMaster University for 25 years, becoming chair of the Fine Art Department until his retirement to Victoria, B.C. in 1985.

The George Wallace exhibition provides a fine complement to Reciprocal, the Museum's autumn exhibition of art by current fine art faculty and alumni.