9. Scottie Wilson
Scottie Wilson (1928–1972), after receiving recognition for his work in Toronto, the artist travelled to London in 1945, and a few months after his arrival he was persuaded by dealers to show in galleries, and had a solo exhibition at the Arcade Gallery in London, shown concurrently with other works by such 20th century artists as Pablo Picasso, Giorgio de Chirico, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, amongst others. Wilson’s rejection of commercialism was unabated, however, and the artist continued to sell his work on the street for a mere fraction of the prices that dealers were asking. Wilson said of the working-class customers he attracted, “They’re the intellect, you know”. That’s telling the art world!