A travelling exhibit at Fredericton’s Beaverbrook Art Gallery is shining the spotlight on one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous artists.
Alex Janvier’s showcase broke records when it first opened at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. With 90,000 people attending the show, 83-year-old Janvier admits he was overwhelmed by all the attention.
“People just mobbing and wanting to take pictures with me,” the artist recalls. “It’s like getting drafted into the NHL at the age of 83.”
Nearly 100 examples of his work are now on display at the Beaverbook Art Gallery.
With an art career that spans more than six decades, Janvier says it’s difficult to pinpoint one collective theme, but that his work reflects his own native heritage.
He also says much of his artwork is abstract.
“But there’s a few paintings that are extremely realistic,” says Janvier. “My artwork is really what talks to me.”
While Janvier has been creating art all his life, he says it seems the art world is finally catching onto his talent.
“Came out of nowhere and started to evolve and the next thing I know, it’s noticeable,” he says.
“It’s really a discovery for a lot of people,” says Greg Hill of the National Gallery of Canada. “I think when you come and see, you have the opportunity to see this many paintings by one artist, so a really in-depth look at what they’re about, so that kind of discovery turns into appreciation and awe by the time people get through the exhibition.”
Janvier’s exhibit will continue at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery until May 21.
