Biography
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Robert Freynet, a Canadian visual artist, was born in Winnipeg, Canada. His studio is situated in the pastoral setting of Sainte-Geneviève, Manitoba. Trained at the École Internationale de Bordeaux, France, Freynet has made his mark in the Canadian art scene since 1975, with many paintings, public murals, and published illustrations.
His graphic novels include Louis Riel en bande dessinée, published in 1990, which quickly became a sold-out bestseller. In 2002, he published La Vérendrye, explorateur de l’Ouest canadien, nominated for a Prix Deschambault in 2003. His latest graphic novel entitled Louis Riel, Patriot, published in 2016, exposes surprising facts and sheds new light on the quintessentially Canadian Riel story.
Freynet’s skills are multi-faceted. He has illustrated documentary films for the National Film Board and Rivard Productions. Artistic director for the production of comics apps, and inventor of the patented sculptural toy, the FACEMAKER, Freynet has also been an instructor in the visual arts for over 30 years.
Robert Freynet is a founding member of several community organizations including La Maison des Artistes in Winnipeg, the Monseigneur-Taché Historic Site in Taché Municipality, and the National Monument Society. He sat as board member of the Manitoba Arts Council from 2002 to 2007.
Freynet was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions to the arts in Canada.
