Passings | Geoff Rees
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Geoff helped build Emily Carr as an extraordinary teacher and contributor to the cultural sector of Vancouver.
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of one of our longtime community members, Geoff Rees.
Born in Nelson BC, Geoff graduated from the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design) in 1950. He became an iconic figure in Vancouver's painting community, receiving numerous major
Canadian and international art awards. Geoff went on to teach at Emily Carr for 35 years, where he created a profound impact on his students and colleagues alike. Geoff maintained a vibrant studio practice and continued to produce works after his retirement in 1992, most recently on view at Elan Fine Art this past February. The exhibition was his first major solo exhibition in over 20 years and featured a body of his most striking large-scale abstract expressionist works.
Geoff Rees was a fundamental part of the history of Emily Carr University. Geoff helped build Emily Carr as an extraordinary teacher and contributor to the cultural sector of Vancouver. We will miss him dearly.
In recognition of his years of service and outstanding work within the Emily Carr and external communities, Geoff was awarded Professor Emeritus status at Emily Carr this spring. He will be deeply missed, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to friends and family.