Out of the Woods: Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven
February 12, 2016–April 17, 2016
7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc.
March 5, 2016–July 3, 2016
Works by both the Group of Seven and Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated will show concurrently, with exhibitions opening February 12 and March 5 respectively.
Formed in Toronto in 1920, the Group of Seven was Canada’s first self-proclaimed organization of modern artists. The original members included Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Franz Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald and Frederick Varley. Tom Thomson, though never a member of the Group because of his death in 1917, was an integral and influential part of this circle. Out of the Woods: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven features works from the Art Gallery of Alberta collection by Tom Thomson and the members of one of Canada’s most influential artistic collectives.
Wryly known as the ‘Indian Group of Seven’, Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated was a groundbreaking cultural and political entity formed by artists Jackson Beardy (1944-1984), Eddy Cobiness (1933-1996), Alex Janvier (b. 1935), Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007), Daphne Odjig (b. 1919), Carl Ray (1942-1978) and Joseph Sanchez (b. 1948). One of Canada’s most important early artist alliances, they stimulated a new way of thinking about contemporary First Nations people, their lives and art.
The exhibition 7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. draws on both private and public art collections to bring together over 80 paintings and drawings from the 1970s, that crucial decade during which the seven artists were active as a group. The exhibition considers their collective artistic impact, as well as the distinctive styles and experimentation of the individual artists.
Out of the Woods: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven is curated by Laura Ritchie. Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta and presented with the support of Capital Powered Art, an exhibition series sponsored by Capital Power Corporation.
7: Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. is organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery. This project has been made possible through a contribution from the Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage. The MacKenzie receives ongoing support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, SaskCulture, the City of Regina, and the University of Regina. Presented at your AGA by Syncrude.
ABOUT THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
The Art Gallery of Alberta is a centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada, connecting people, art and ideas. The AGA is focused on the development and presentation of original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world. The AGA also offers a full-range of art education and public programs. Founded in 1924, the Art Gallery of Alberta maintains a collection of more than 6,000 objects and is the oldest cultural institution in Alberta. It is the only museum in the province solely dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of art and visual culture.
The Art Gallery of Alberta is a not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of its Members, donors, sponsors and government. The AGA is grateful for the generous support of the many public and private donors and sponsors who have made the AGA’s New Vision possible, as well as the ongoing support of the City of Edmonton, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The Canada Council for the Arts and our Members.