Frédérick Back (1924 - 2013)

Born into a family of artists, Frédérick Back grew up in Strasbourg. After studying in Paris, he attended the École Régionale des Beaux-Arts in Rennes, where he was taught by painter and illustrator Mathurin Méheut. This encounter left a lasting impression on Frédéric, both on a human and artistic level. It was at this time that he began his career as a painter and exhibited his works at the Salon de la Marine in Paris in 1946 and 1947. He moved to Montreal in 1948 and taught at the École des meubles, where he succeeded Paul-Émile Borduas, and at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal where he met Alfred Pellan.

He joined Radio Canada in 1952 as an illustrator and creator of visual effects, sets and models for numerous cultural, educational and scientific programs.

In the 1960's, he created several glass windows for churches and public places, such as the one in 1967 for the Place des Arts metro station in Montreal, assisted by René Derouin.

In 1968, he joined the team of the Radio Canada animation studio, created by Hubert Tison. From 1968 to 1993, he directed ten short films. Frédéric Back's films have been noticed on every continent, and the many awards he has received attest to the talent and hard work he puts into each film. Animation is also a way for him to convey his ecological message and raise awareness around the world about the environmental causes he cares about.

He is a complete artist: painter, illustrator and director of internationally renowned animated films, best known for his two Oscars (1982, 1988) and for his film The Man Who Planted Trees.