“Janvier in the Round” is one of several works by Alex Janvier now at the National Gallery of Canada. Lia Pizarro, Centretown NewsIn 1960, the world wasn’t ready for a First Nations artist interested in contemporary painting. – Alex Janvier Gallery
Displayed at the front entrance of his newest solo exhibition, Alex Janvier’s name is written for all to see as viewers take their first steps into his vibrant, historic, abstract and contemporary artistic domain.
“I am truly honoured tonight to be able to show you my art work,” Janvier said as he addressed the large crowd of spectators, art-lovers, media, and government officials during his exhibition opening ceremony.
Janvier’s exhibit runs from Nov. 25 to Apr. 17 and will be part of the Special Exhibitions Galleries.
The National Gallery of Canada welcomed the 81-year-old Dene Suline-Salteaux artist as he prepared to unveil his collection of more than 150 prominent works.
This will only be the third solo exhibition by a senior aboriginal artist that has been organized and produced by the gallery in the last decade, according to Greg Hill, curator of indigenous art at the National Gallery.
Janvier expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share his work with everyone.
“I believe that this moment was meant for all of us to be here, every one of us,” Janvier said.
As viewers enter the Janvier exhibit, they encounter a large, open space surrounded by neatly hung canvases. One wall displays a projector showcasing his pieces on a continuous video loop.
On the surface of his canvases, his works are covered with a wide range of vibrant colours, abstract lines, shapes and various techniques used to create his unique designs.
But each piece tells a story deeply-rooted from his past. During the time that Janvier grew up, the government was still trying to assimilate indigenous peoples into the broader Canadian society. Enrollment in residential schools for indigenous children was mandatory and the system often punished children for speaking their language and expressing their culture.
Janvier’s childhood was spent at the Blue Quills Indian Residential School near St. Paul, Alta. Amidst the pain and grief of being forced to lose his culture, he learned his passion for art.
“I couldn’t speak my language,” Janvier said. “I was forced to communicate in two languages (English and French) that I couldn’t speak in.”
A section of Janvier’s gallery devoted to works from his early childhood presents a two-sided painting entitled Blood Tears, which hangs in the centre of the room.
One side of the piece reveals an abstract painting full of bright, vibrant colours and an inscription on the backside that lists personal and cultural aspects of his life that he feels he lost after completing ten years of residential schooling.
Later, Janvier went on to complete formal art training at the Alberta College of Art and became an art instructor at the University of Calgary.
Since then, his pieces continue to tell the story of his indigenous beliefs, his experience of loss and his connection to his homeland and territory.
But his influence on the indigenous art community still echoes far beyond the borders of his hometown.
Kim Vincent, owner of the Centretown native arts and crafts store Beaded Dreams, said Janvier’s collection puts an emphasis on the importance of art within indigenous culture.
“We have a great First Nations community here and I think there’s a lot of talented artists getting their stuff out there,” Vincent said. “Whether it’s in our store or seeing the Alex Janvier exhibit, people can finally appreciate it and see that there’s a lot of talent.”
Ian Wright, owner of Snow Goose Gallery on Sparks Street, which features Inuit and First Nations art, said Janvier’s collection will do a lot for aboriginal art by recognizing native artists, educating people about the culture and perhaps even preventing the formation of stereotypes.
“Certainly in aboriginal art, I find that it tells a story and people are looking at the piece and listening to the artist,” Wright said. “If the average person learns about indigenous culture, then they can understand maybe why things are happening the way they are today.”