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  • John Kasyn, House on York St., Hamilton, 1967
    House on York St., Hamilton, 1967CAD 4,400.00
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    John Kasyn, House on York St., Hamilton, 1967
    CAD 4,400.00
  • "Nestled in the Hills, 1969" by John Kasyn is an artwork that captures the stark beauty of a rural winter landscape. The composition features a series of farm buildings nestled against a backdrop of rolling hills.
    Nestled in the Hills, 1969CAD 2,750.00
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    John Kasyn, Nestled in the Hills, 1969
    CAD 2,750.00
  • Kasyn's use of subdued and cool tones is masterful, emphasizing the chill of the winter air while contrasting the warmth of the homes.
    Winter Clouds Over Baldwin Street, 1975CAD 3,900.00
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    John Kasyn, Winter Clouds Over Baldwin Street, 1975
    CAD 3,900.00
  • In this piece, Kasyn captures a quiet residential scene bathed in the soft, golden light of the afternoon sun.
    Backyard in Afternoon Sun, Spruce St, 1985CAD 12,500.00
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    John Kasyn, Backyard in Afternoon Sun, Spruce St, 1985
    CAD 12,500.00
  • The muted palette of grays, soft blues, and warm browns creates a symphony of contrasts. The snow-covered landscape, with its tranquil blanket, contrasts beautifully with the brick houses, which seem to emanate warmth and shelter from the cold. The footprints in the snow and the slightly askew trash can hint at life and activity, a testament to the silent stories the lane could tell.
    Lane Off McCaul St., c 1980CAD 3,500.00
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    John Kasyn, Lane Off McCaul St., c 1980
    CAD 3,500.00
Biography
John Kasyn

 "People don't live at the front of their houses. The back lanes are more interesting than the front. That's where the clotheslines are, the lean-tos, the garbage cans and broken fences."

John Kasyn

John Kasyn (January 21, 1926 - September 8, 2008) was a celebrated artist renowned for his intricate and nostalgic depictions of Toronto's historic homes, buildings, and back lanes. Born in Poland and immigrating to Winnipeg in 1938, Kasyn's artistic education began at the Winnipeg Museum during his public schooling. He furthered his studies at the Ontario College of Art and Central Polytechnic in Toronto, where he developed a profound affection for the city's architectural heritage.

 

John Kasyn; Stucco Lean-to on River Street

John Kasyn; Stucco Lean-to on River Street, 1969

 

Kasyn's unique focus on Toronto's often-overlooked back lanes distinguished his work in the Canadian art scene. He viewed these lanes as repositories of rich historical and cultural material, capturing intimate glimpses into the lives of city residents with details like clotheslines and garbage cans. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to portraying the essence of Toronto earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious Gold Medal at the Annual Exhibition of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour in 1966.

 

John Kasyn; Winter Clouds Over Baldwin Street

John Kasyn; Winter Clouds Over Baldwin Street, 1975

 

An active member of the Ontario Society of Artists (O.S.A.) and the C.S.P.W.C., Kasyn exhibited regularly with both groups. His artwork is displayed in major galleries across Canada and is part of important collections at institutions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

 

Kasyn was represented by notable galleries including the Mazelow Gallery in Toronto, Wallack Galleries in Ottawa, De Vooght Galleries in Vancouver, and Galerie Walter Klinkhoff in Montreal. Many of the homes and scenes featured in his paintings have since been lost to urban development, making his works invaluable records of Toronto’s historical landscape.

 

John Kasyn; Off Church Street

John Kasyn; Off Church Street, 1980

 

Today, John Kasyn’s paintings are cherished in private and corporate collections across North America. His legacy as a key figure in documenting and preserving Canadian heritage through art continues to inspire new generations, making his works enduring cultural time capsules that celebrate his beloved city of Toronto.