07/22/2026
You may have noticed some fresh new artwork in our cafe. Currently on display are two pieces from Christopher Rouleau's latest series "Selling Canada".
A Canadian-born artist, Rouleau explores the relationship between consumerism and socio-economic systems through the Canadian lens. Using nostalgic imagery and the tenets of Pop Art, the series invites viewers to reflect on a shared visual heritage and reflect on how this identity is manufactured and mediated through design. "Selling Canada" sparks a dialogue about how consumer design functions as a type of public language, and how national narratives are packaged and sold.
Created during a 3 month long residency at Gladstone House, each piece is meticulously hand-painted to mimic mechanical techniques of mass production, representing an intersection of Rouleau's lifelong passion for graphic design, typography and a deep affinity for analog art making, scenic painting, and collage.
Scenic Canada
- Scenic Canada is a collage of vintage travels ads and iconic Canadian brands. Inspired by the the large topiary logo advertisements on the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, this work captures the pervasive nature of capitalism, interjected into the most marketable aspects of the Canadian landscape.
Home/ Maison
- Home / Maison juxtaposes two iconic pieces of Canadian packaging: Habitant Soup (now owned by Campbell Soup Company) and the ubiquitous maple syrup can (design attributed to Sylva Lebrun). Both packages present a picturesque version of the Canadian homestead − an idyllic but not wholly accurate representation of true Canadian life.
More info about "Selling Canada" and Christopher Rouleau's work is available at christopherrouleau.com and limited edition prints available at shop.christopherrouleau.com
