Ian Thom

Born in 1926 in the fishing community of Seal Cove, British Columbia, in 1937 Takao Tanabe moved with his parents and six siblings to Vancouver. His life was uprooted in 1942, when he and his family, among the 22,000 Japanese Canadians dispossessed and displaced by the government during the Second World War, were sent to an internment camp in the interior of B.C. Despite this challenging early life, Tanabe went on to forge a career that has changed the way we see and understand this country and its landscapes.

In Takao Tanabe: Life & Work, author Ian Thom explores the artist's extraordinary story and legacy, illuminating his many magisterial works and unique vision that began in 1944, when, after moving to Winnipeg, Tanabe found work as a sign painter. He soon discovered a world of artistic opportunities outside of commercial work and began to flourish as a student at the Winnipeg School of Art, his singular approach continuing to evolve over time and with travel. Stints in New York, London, and Europe during the early 1950s piqued his interest in abstract experimentation, while a 1959 trip to Japan introduced him to traditional calligraphy and sumi-e (Japanese ink painting).

In the early 1970s Tanabe began his Prairie paintings, a series that would cement his reputation, distilling vast expanses of land into evocative images that blurred the lines between representation and abstraction. A move back to B.C. in the 1980s led him to reconceive the coastal landscapes of his childhood. In addition to his own widely celebrated creative accomplishments, Tanabe has played an integral role in supporting new generations of artists as a teacher, philanthropist, and advocate. His contributions to the arts in Canada are unparalleled. 

Hardcover | 128 pages 
20.3 x 27.9 cm (8 x 11 in.) 
Publication date: 2024

A brainteaser game in which players have to piece together figures using the 7 tangram pieces. A total of 125 figures to piece together! 

To play alone or cooperatively with others. Develops patience and problem-solving skills. Solutions are shown on the back of each challenge card. 

Ages 6 and up

This puzzle features vintage illustrations of items for tea time. 

1000 pieces 

Finished puzzle size: 55 x 70 cm (22 x 28 in.) 
Packaged in a 25 cm (9.8 in.) tube 
Includes a poster guide and a muslin bag to safely keep all the puzzle pieces together.

This scooped neck t-shirt of bright brushstrokes on black features detailing from the painting Tempo Giusto (1975) by Jack Bush (1909–1977). 

100% cotton 
Machine wash in cold water. Tumble dry at low temperature. 

These socks feature a detail from the painting Tempo Giusto (1975) by Jack Bush (1909–1977).

Men’s | One size
65% cotton, 26% polyester, 5% nylon, 3% spandex and 1% rubber 

These socks feature a detail from the artwork Tempo Giusto (1975) by Jack Bush (1909–1977).

Women’s | One size
65% cotton, 26% polyester, 5% nylon, 3% spandex and 1% rubber

This t-shirt of bright brushstrokes on black features detailing from the painting Tempo Giusto (1975) by Jack Bush (1909–1977). 

100% cotton 
Machine wash in cold water. Tumble dry at low temperature. 

This single coaster features a detail from the artwork Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). 

MDF with felt base 
9.5 x 9.5 cm (3.7 x 3.7 in.)

Keep your valuables close at hand with this zipper coin purse featuring a detail from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890).

Polyester
12 x 10 x 1.5 cm (4.7 x 3.9 x 0.6 in.)

This soft and lightweight microfiber cloth features a detail from the artwork Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). 

12.5 x 18 cm (4.9 x 7 in.)

Keep your eyewear safe with this sleek, felt-lined metal case featuring a detail from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). 

16 x 2.8 x 6.6 cm (6.3 x 1.1 x 2.6 in.)

This journal featuring a detail from Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is sure to prompt creative inspiration. Durably crafted with a stunning embossed foil cover, it includes an inside pocket, two bookmarks and a magnetic side flap.

Hardcover
176 lined pages
15.5 x 21.5 x 1.5 cm (6.1 x 8.5 x 0.6 in.)

This fine bone china mug depicts a detail from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890).

Holds 580 ml (19.6 fl. oz.)
Microwave and dishwasher safe
Packaged in a gift box

This travel-friendly, fashionable metal pill box features a detail from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890).

5.5 x 4 x 1.5 cm (2.2 x 1.6 x 0.6 in.)

This poster features the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). 

Poster size: 61 x 91.4 cm (24 x 36 in.)

This 1,000 piece puzzle is adapted from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). 

Finished puzzle size: 49 x 68 cm (19 ¼ x 26 ⅝ in.)

This slim journal featuring a detail from Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) is sure to prompt creative inspiration. Durably crafted with a stunning embossed foil cover, it includes an inside pocket, and two bookmarks.

Hardcover
128 lined pages
8 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm (3.2 x 6 x 0.5 in.)

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum), 1888 

Small Poster: 
Image size: 26 x 20.8 cm (10 ½ x 8 ¼ in.)
Paper size: 35.6 x 27.9 cm (14 x 11 in.)

Made in Canada

In the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum

This fine bone china teacup depicts a detail from the painting Terrace of a Café at Night (Place du Forum) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). This set includes a teacup, an infuser and a lid.

Holds 414 ml (14 fl. oz.)
Microwave and dishwasher safe
Packaged in a gift box

Gord Hill

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book powerfully portrays flashpoints in history when Indigenous peoples have risen and fought back against colonizers and other oppressors. Events depicted include the Spanish conquest of the Aztec, Mayan and Inca empires; the 1680 Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico; the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890; the resistance of the Great Plains peoples in the 19th century; and more recently, the Idle No More protests supporting Indigenous sovereignty and rights in 2012 and 2013, and the resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016.

Softcover | 136 pages
30.5 x 22.9 cm (9 x 12 in.) 
Publication Date: 2021