Leo Mol in 1994

A very important Winnipegger passes on - Leo Mol dead at 94I met Leo Mol at a Creative Foundation of Manitoba Youth conference a few years ago and I was surprised at his humility. I stood beside this iconic figure in the art world and was thrilled. I remember the artist, Yisa Akinbolaji, telling the student how fortunate they were to be in the presence of this great man. Many had come up and ask for his autograph. Maybe they are holding something very valuable in their hands right now. A signature from a man of his stature must be a prized possession.
May his soul rest in peace. Long will he live in the hearts of the people of Winnpeg because some of his best works are there in the Assiniboine Park for everyone to enjoy. Thank you Leo Mol.

July 6, 2009

PROVINCE OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LEO MOL


Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson offered condolences on the passing of Leo Mol on behalf of the Province of Manitoba today.

“Leo Mol was one of Manitoba’s brightest stars. Through his work, he gave the Manitoba art world a gift that will enrich our province for generations,” said Robinson. “He was a world-class artist living in our midst and our capital city proudly preserves his talent and passion through collections of his work such as the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.”

Mol studied sculpture at the Leningrad Academy of Arts from 1936 to 1940. In 1943, he studied in The Hague and, in December 1948, he and his wife, Margareth, emigrated to Winnipeg.

In 1989, he was made an officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his artistic contributions to his adopted country. In 2000, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 2002, his sculpture Lumberjacks was featured on a Canadian postage stamp.

He had received honourary degrees from the universities of Winnipeg, Alberta and Manitoba.

The subjects of his sculptures included such prominent historical personalities as Winston Churchill, Pope John Paul II, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John Diefenbaker. Mol created three monuments to Ukraine’s most famous poet, Taras Shevchenko, which are located in Washington, D.C., Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Prudentopolis, Brazil.

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