Georges Boka, a Canadian artist born in 1939, was captivated early on by the vast potential for free expression that drawing provides. Primarily recognized as a draftsman, Boka is known for his relentless dedication and passion for his craft. During his teenage years, he encountered the works of Eugène Fromentin, particularly “Les Maîtres d'autrefois,” which offered him insights into the origins, essence, and future directions of his deep artistic identity. Since that pivotal moment, he has continuously pursued knowledge in painting and art history. Although he enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1957, his time there was brief. As a self-taught artist, he sought to enhance his skills independently, relying solely on books for guidance. With an innate understanding of form, he then turned his attention to mastering the discipline of harmony, which would ultimately govern the movement within his compositions. In selecting his influences, he gravitated towards the greatest masters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Raphael, Vélasquez, Turner, and Delacroix. From his idol Rembrandt, he honed his sensitivity, skillfully manipulating shadows to evoke a sense of truth that emanates from a profound inner life.
