Roy Kiyooka

1926 - 1994

Quick facts

  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Lifespan: 68 years
  • Nationality: Canada
  • Art period: Modern

A Multidisciplinary Visionary

Roy Kenzie Kiyooka was a Canadian painter, poet, photographer, sculptor, and artist. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, he was a Nisei, or a second-generation Japanese Canadian. His family moved to Opal, Alberta, in 1942. Throughout his diverse career, he served as an arts teacher at the Regina College of Art, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

His artistic practice evolved significantly over the decades. While he engaged in painting and sculpture, he eventually shifted his focus toward photography and filmmaking. His creative output extended into literature, including works such as Transcanada Letters and Pear Tree Pomes, the latter of which was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award.

Artistic Works and Recognition

Kiyooka's body of work spans various media and forms. His notable contributions include:

In 1975, the Vancouver Art Gallery organized a twenty-five-year retrospective of his work. His contributions to Canadian culture were further recognized when he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Questions & Answers

Can I study Roy Kiyooka's use of color across all works?

The Palette Genome of Roy Kiyooka is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

Where can I find statistics about Roy Kiyooka's works?

Statistics about Roy Kiyooka's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

How can I see every artwork made by Roy Kiyooka?

Every work by Roy Kiyooka on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

Can I browse Roy Kiyooka's works by medium?

To find all works by Roy Kiyooka in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

Quick quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Roy Kiyooka born?
Question 2:
Which famous American art critic did Kiyooka work with at the Emma Lake Artists' Workshops?
Question 3:
What was the title of the book project published in 1975 that examined his experience as a second-generation Japanese-Canadian?
Question 4:
For which work was Roy Kiyooka nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award in 1987?
Question 5:
Which organization named Roy Kiyooka an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978?