Indigenous and Canadian Art
Experience art in Canada like never before
In these transformed galleries, the parallel and, at times, interrelated stories of Indigenous and Canadian art in Canada are brought together in one unforgettable display. Almost 800 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, silver, and decorative art objects from across Canada are on view, dating from 5,000 years ago to 1967.
Visitors can rediscover iconic artworks from the national collection – many of which have been restored – or find a new favourite among the objects featured here for the first time. There are 225 additional works to see in the reconfigured galleries, including recent acquisitions by artists such as A.Y. Jackson, Lawren S. Harris, George T. Berthon, Ruben Komangapik, Tim Pitsiulak, and Emily Carr, among others. Also on view is an impressive selection of objects on temporary loan: among them, close to 100 stunning works by Indigenous artists.
With open spaces, bold wall colours and airy display cases, the Indigenous and Canadian Galleries are inviting and inspiring. Plan your visit today.
Location
Gallery Highlights - The Croscup Room
Gallery A103
The Croscup Room, as it is now known, was the main room of a house in Karsdale, Nova Scotia. Somewhere around 1846–1848, its walls were painted by an unidentified artist for shipbuilder William Croscup and his family.
Artwork
Joyce Wieland, Cooling Room II, 1964, metal toy airplane, cloth, metal wire, plastic boat, paper collage, ceramic cups with lipstick, and spoon, mounted in painted wooden case, 114.4 x 94 x 18.3 cm. Photo: NGC
Joyce Wieland, Cooling Room II, 1964, metal toy airplane, cloth, metal wire, plastic boat, paper collage, ceramic cups with lipstick, and spoon, mounted in painted wooden case, 114.4 x 94 x 18.3 cm. Photo: NGC
Karoo Ashevak, Figure, 1974, os de baleine et pierre noire ?, 41 x 44,2 x 10,5 cm. Don du ministère des Affaires indiennes et du Nord canadien, 1989 (Don de John et Judy McGrath, 1984). © Public Trustee for Nunavut, Estate of Karoo Ashevak. Photo : MBAC
Karoo Ashevak, Figure, 1974, os de baleine et pierre noire ?, 41 x 44,2 x 10,5 cm. Don du ministère des Affaires indiennes et du Nord canadien, 1989 (Don de John et Judy McGrath, 1984). © Public Trustee for Nunavut, Estate of Karoo Ashevak. Photo : MBAC
Prudence Heward, Rollande, 1929, oil on canvas, 139.9 x 101.7 cm. Photo: NGC
Prudence Heward, Rollande, 1929, oil on canvas, 139.9 x 101.7 cm. Photo: NGC
Cornelius Krieghoff, The Saint Anne Falls, 1855, oil on canvas, 40 x 48.6 cm. Photo: NGC
Cornelius Krieghoff, The Saint Anne Falls, 1855, oil on canvas, 40 x 48.6 cm. Photo: NGC
James Wilson Morrice, Blanche Baume, c. 1911-1912, oil on canvas, 61.2 x 50.5 cm. Photo: NGC
James Wilson Morrice, Blanche Baume, c. 1911-1912, oil on canvas, 61.2 x 50.5 cm. Photo: NGC
Emily Carr, Blunden Harbour, c. 1930, oil on canvas, 129.8 x 93.6 cm. Photo: National Gallery of Canada
Emily Carr, Blunden Harbour, c. 1930, oil on canvas, 129.8 x 93.6 cm. Photo: National Gallery of Canada
Did you know?
The Gallery has put women artists at the centre of several displays in the Canadian and Indigenous Galleries. Discover a few fast facts in these short videos.
In the News
"What a revelation to see the Woodlands School, represented by Norval Morrisseau’s Artist and Shaman Between Two Worlds, hung alongside the work of London, Ont., artists Jack Chambers and Greg Curnoe, including Curnoe’s colourful View of Victoria Hospital, Second Series."
"…the exhibition is, like the nation itself, too vast and diverse to be grasped in one visit, for this history is written by many authors in multiple languages, and the story it tells is grand and sweeping."
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