Artist Roger Ing Dies - Creator of 'Rogerism' Will Be Missed - Updated
Renowned Canadian artist, Roger Ing died in Regina on July 22nd. The creator of a unique style of painting known as 'Rogerism', he was a legend in avantgarde circles for many years.
Roger practiced his art in Regina's New Utopia Cafe on Dewdney Avenue in Regina. Those who came in contact with Roger were not sure if he was a restaurateur who painted or an artist who owned a cafe. Vic Cicansky, another well known Canadian artist from Saskatchewan commented that visiting Roger was always an artistic adventure - drinking coffee and having good conversation with just the faintest whiff of paint in the room.
Roger's aggressive use of colour and bold assertive style is famous. His work was featured in a documenary film entitled, Roger Ing's Utopia (1998) - produced by BRAVO / SCN. *(UPDATED) Please note that the documentary was not produced by Bravo/SCN...it was televised there, but it was produced by Judith Silverthorne of Spiral Communications Inc.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Roger. His wit, style and humble flamboyance were a complete joy. He will be missed by progressive artists and art lovers everywhere.
Here follows his obituary from the Regina Leader-Post of this date:
Roger Ing
Roger Ing passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at the age of 75 years. Predeceased by his parents, Victor and Chew Jone Ing, older brother and sister-in-law. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Mei and four children, Yvonne (Marco) Granello, Maureen (Kevin) Sinclair, Suzie, and Mitchell (Gloria) Ing and seven grandchildren. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff on 36 at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, the Emergency Department and the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Regina General Hospital. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, July 25, 2008 from 6:00 8:00 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. A Funeral Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Gershom Ng officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in memoriam, to the Regina General Hospital, Renal Dialysis Unit, 1440 14th Avenue, Regina S4P 0W5.
-New York Times review of 'Roger Ing's Utopia (1998)
-Spiral Communications on 'Roger Ing's Utopia (1998)
For those who are interested, you can join one of two Facebook groups that acknowledge Roger's work: UTOPIA CAFE (OR) ROGERISM.
(Very special thanks to Unclemeat for his 'Rogerism' website)
I really miss him....the way he talks,his friendly smile, his abstract artworks and his homemade breakfast. Goodbye Roger...I am sure you will continue your art journey in the heaven.
Posted by
Unknown |
6:54 am, July 28, 2008
I was 8 or 9 when I started to go to Rogers. I always made a trip with my sister and we would purchase a coke, burger or fries. I enjoyed the arcade he had set up in the back...there was never any hint of art on the walls at that time..
He was very upset when he heard my sister passed..he actually had his picture taken with her
Posted by
MetisArtistWoman |
3:04 am, April 18, 2009
I still miss Roger....he was a very special soul. Thankfully his wonderfully creative spirit lives on through his art.
To blog author. please note that the documentary was not produced by Bravo/SCN...it was televised there, but it was produced by Judith Silverthorne of Spiral Communications Inc. http://www.judithsilverthorne.ca/spiralcommunications.ca/index.html
judithsilverthorne@gmail.com
Posted by
Judith's Journey |
12:31 pm, October 02, 2011