Alex Janvier and Kenojuak Ashevak are recognized for a lifetime of artistic achievement by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Governor’s General. Alex Janvier was born on the Le Goff First Nations Reserve in northern Alberta, and has over 40 years of experience in the arts and education. He was appointed Member of the Order of Canada in 2007, and is the recipient of numerous art and national honors. The award announcement contains a detailed account of his unique visual language, and major accomplishments during his long and diverse career. One of his most well known works is the “Morning Star” mural at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which tells the story of life movement and the experience of conflict and spiritual renewal in First Nations culture and history. Speaking of the personal nature of his work: “I am painting and I am also telling the story of the way things happened to me and to my tribe and to my people and it’s a true story” (Canadian Museum of Civilization).

Kenojuak Ashevak has been a leading member of the Cape Dorset artists and print making collective for many decades. She was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada in 1967, and was the subject of a 1963 NFB documentary (available on-line) that was nominated for an Academy Award and profiles her early life and the stunning “Arrival of the Sun” print at the National Gallery of Canada. The award announcement describes her distinguished career, and many of the expressive and creative components of her work. A large scale recent work includes her stained glass window installation at Appleby College (near Toronto), titled Iggalaaq, “Where the Light Comes Through.” Featuring a snowy owl and an arctic char, the images draw on multiple sources and depict the “sustenance of life” and “enchant anyone who sees it,” says donor Glen Erikson. Kenojuak Ashevak travels widely promoting Cape Dorset Art, and has several retrospectives of her work.

More Information:

• Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts 2008
• Gallery for Alex Janvier, Cold Lake, Alberta
• Dorset Fine Arts

Update:

• University of Alberta: Alex Janvier receives honorary Doctorate of Laws degree (2008).