Born in 1922 in Montreal, Gauvreau joined the Automatiste movement in 1941 at the behest of Paul-Emile Broduas, he exhibited in both group and solo shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and then took a 13-year hiatus while working in television and film. Despite the challenges that come with aging, at 88 Pierre Gauvreau continues to produce artwork that challenges and inspires awe in viewers.