Between May 2019 and April 2020, the President’s Art Collection acquired 100 new works of art. 68 of these were by Indigenous artists, of which 60 were Inuit. These brought a range of expressions from across the Arctic to the Collection, including work from Inukjuak, Pangnirtung, Kinngait, Qamani’tuaq, Puvirnituq, Iqualuit and others. Other acquired artworks were of Cree, Kwakwaka’wakw, Sioux, Dakota and Saulteaux origin. 27 artworks were created in Saskatchewan, or by artists with a connection to the province. These comprised sculpture, textiles, lens-based practice and painting by Regina Five members, Indigenous and Fransaskois artists.
Highlights included sculpture both powerful and playful by Ashoona Koomwartok (b. 1930), Mikigak Kingwatsiak (b. 1943), John Tiktak (1916-1981) and Aqjangajuk Shaa R.C.A. (b. 1937) as well as rare experimental prints from the first Cape Dorset (Kinngait) print portfolio by Ashaweetuk (1923-2005) and Kudlak. We received important paintings by Kenneth Lochhead (1926-2006) (Still Life, 1961) and Ted Godwin’s monumental Eurydice (1970). Our collection of Regina Clay expanded to include vessels and sculpture by female artists Marilyn Levine (1935-2005), Jeannie Mah (b. 1952) and Ann James (1925-2011). Raven Sunburst Mask (1979) by Gene Brabant (b. 1946) and Saturday Night Pow Wow (2019) by Larissa Kitchemonia (b. 1987) offer mediations on traditional Kwakwaka’wakw and Saulteaux cultural expressions. Regions beyond Saskatchewan are now represented in two paintings by Doris McCarthy (1910-2010) and the marble sculpture Pink Lady (c. 1968) by Cecil Richards R.C.A. (1907-1981). Upon her retirement from the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance, Prof. Leesa Streifler (b. 1957) donated three large-scale photo-based feminist works.
Facilitated by the Office of Indigenization, guidance was sought over the past year from Elders-in-Residence Lorna Standingready and Dennis Omeasoo regarding several items, including a recently gifted ceremonial pipe of unknown Indigenous origin. Items acquired over the past five years were also presented and received generous traditional knowledge and guidance around proper protocol for identification, storage, handling, display, providing a richer understanding of these works. These included items of clothing, bead and leatherwork, quillwork and basketry, which were acquired with limited information or provenance. In December 2019, a pipe ceremony and feast was prepared to celebrate the work of the Reconciliation Action Committee, at which Sisikwan (rattle) (n.d.) was shared in accordance with ceremonial tradition. The President’s Art Collection looks forward to continued and respectful collaboration with the Office of Indigenization over the coming year.
During the Fall of 2019, La Cité undertook a major renovation of their theatre space to better accommodate cultural programming. To honour Francophone arts and culture, artwork was loaned on a long-term basis. A selection of bronze sculptures by Fransaskois artist Joseph Fafard (1942-2019), including two acquired this year, were installed in custom-built display cases. Prints and paintings by Wilf Perreault (b. 1947) Mario Merola (b. 1931) were also installed, showcasing both the dynamism of Montréal and celebrated regionalist practices.
Other partnerships proceeded this year with the initiation of the movement of the Shumiatcher Inuit Art Collection into the care of the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Artworks by Sheila Spence (b. 1952), Marjorie Yuzicappi and Esther Warkov (b. 1941) received greater visibility through loans to the MacKenzie Art Gallery and Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery for touring exhibitions. Greater community engagement was achieved through several College Avenue campus tours for staff and the public. The 2019-20 President’s Residence exhibition, Colour is of the Senses, was organized in collaboration with the Office of the President. The exhibition presented a selection of work from a major donation of paintings by Kenneth Lochhead, gifted by the artist’s family. The catalogue featured an essay by Joanne Lochhead, and a well-attended private viewing and media event were also organised. Colour is of the Senses will be the last exhibition, due to the sale of the President’s Residence.