Date: Jul 11, 2024
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is deeply saddened by the loss of the great Alex Janvier. A survivor of the Blue Quill Residential Indian School, Alex Janvier’s work throughout his career was both prolific and poignant. The grandfather of 20th century Indigenous Art on Turtle Island, Alex has built an international reputation as a painter, muralist and printmaker. He has also mentored generations of artists and advocated tirelessly for recognition of Indigenous arts.
Alex has been the recipient of many accolades throughout his career. Since 2007, he has received honorary doctorates from both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, was appointed to the Order of Canada, received a Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts, received a Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal, and was the first ever recipient of the Marion Nicoll Visual Arts Award from the AFA. He was listed as one of Alberta’s 25 influential artists by the AFA in 2016, and he was also the first Indigenous artist that resided in Alberta to receive a solo retrospective exhibition in the National Gallery of Canada in 2016.
The AFA is proud to care for and share more than 30 artworks by Alex Janvier in the AFA Art Collection. You can view his incredible works online at alberta.emuseum.com or in person in locations across the province.
Our sincerest condolences to Alex’s family and friends.