Witness ed. 2 of 5

About Witness ed. 2 of 5

This contemporary table top metal sculpture is by the iconic Sorel Etrog.

A towering figure in the Canadian art scene, Sorel Etrog was known the world over for his provocative, dynamic, and eclectic artwork. A gifted poet, filmmaker, painter and sculptor, in the 1960’s Etrog worked in Toronto in a spacious studio in the Tip Top building overlooking Lake Ontario.
This modern piece cast in bronze and coated with shiny bright red enamel paint is from his ‘Screws and Bolts’ series from the 1970’s. This U-shaped form was inspired by mechanical elements—fastening devices such as screws and bolts that Etrog became fascinated with. These pieces played with these bold forms in a humorous and sensual way that explored a new kind of visual language for the artist. Edition 2 of 5.

“I don’t postpone an idea. A new one comes and eats up the old one.” Sorel Etrog

“He (Etrog) was a revelation. He was an awakening for the entire city of Toronto. I was greatly impressed with him. There is a talent that must be seen.”
Walter Moos, Gallery Moos

Sorel Etrog was born in 1933 in Laşi, Romania and managed to survive the Second World War, Etrog immigrated along with his family to Israel in 1950.
In Israel, he studied drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and theater set design at the Tel Aviv Art Institute. After several successful exhibitions and accolades, Etrog moved to Toronto in 1963 and opened a studio. In 1968 he became a household name when he designed the bronze statuette presented to winners at the Canadian Film Awards. Originally called the Etrog, it was re-named the Genie in 1980. Etrog passed away at the age of 80 in 2014. He was a Member of the Order of Canada and a Chevalier dans L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France. His work is included in museum collections around the world including the Tate Museum in London, England, The Guggenheim, NYC and the National Gallery of Canada.