We are deeply saddened to hear that Alex Janvier has passed at the age of 89. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and communities across the country who are also mourning his loss.
A favourite quote comes from when he was 84 years of age, clearly with no intention of slowing down:
“The best art I did, was the ones I didn’t get to yet. I’ll get to it.”
Alex Janvier, Denesuline, from the Cold Lake First Nations, Treaty 6 Territory, was renowned for his distinctive curved lines and evocative colour combinations. His unique abstract style and artistic ideas have blazed the trail for many First Nations and Canadian Artists. He received a Fine Arts Diploma with Honors at the Alberta College of Art in 1960 and was the institution’s first Indigenous graduate.
Immediately after graduation, Janvier taught art at the University of Alberta. He then took up painting full-time and became a founding member of the group commonly referred to as the “Indian Group of Seven,” which collectively broke boundaries across artistic, cultural, and political landscapes. Janvier was one of Canada’s significant pioneering Indigenous artists and considered one of the country’s greatest painters. During his 60+ year career, he influenced many generations of artists.
Janvier received numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Order of Canada, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and membership in the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts.
Alex Janvier had an unparalleled influence on art and artists across this country. His vision and his tireless devotion to artmaking were deeply inspiring. His art was anchored by a lifelong commitment to activism and advocacy for all Indigenous peoples and by an unstoppable optimism and sense of humour. He will be missed.
Watch Alex Janvier’s speech from AUArts’ convocation ceremony in 2019, when he was awarded an honorary MFA degree. Learn more about his legacy at alexjanvier.com
Adrian Stimson
Chair, Board of Governors
Dr. Daniel Doz
President and CEO
