The Royal Art Lodge was an artist collective based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba active 1996 - 2008.  

It was founded by Michael Dumontier, Neil Farber, Drue Langlois, Jon Pylypchuk, Adrian Williams and most notably Marcel Dzama.

Typically the work produced was intimate, small in scale, frequently included text all while exploring dark topics evoking both popular culture and folklore.

This piece is emblematic of the collective’s illustrative style with flat planes of color on a small scale, minimally covered canvas.

They developed this aesthetic during their time together at the University of Manitoba. At first glance, the image seems to be a stylized tree, but upon further contemplation the image of a skull bearing its teeth comes to the surface. This double image of life and death, is characteristic of their use of comedy and satire, a theme that runs throughout the collective's creative output.

The Royal Art Lodge’s work has been widely exhibited throughout the world, from England, Spain, Italy, and Ireland to Korea, France and the United States.

Their work is represented in many public and private collections including the National Gallery of Canada which possesses nearly 300 of their creations.

Additional images available on request. 

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Provenance: Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London

Mixed media on canvas

Signed verso by Michael Dumontier (and other illegible initials)

9.5"W 10.5"H (work)

Very good condition