In photos: On becoming the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection | The Quad

In photos: On becoming the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection

Featuring 19 artworks by 19 artists, On Becoming highlights recent acquisitions and the changing directions of collecting art.

November 21, 2024

The University of Alberta Museums Art Collection is home to an impressive range of artwork and objects that have spanned the university's history from its early beginnings to today. On Becoming features 19 artworks by 19 artists - a small snapshot of the overall 165 works collected by the University of Alberta Museums in the last five years.

Celebrating new voices

Artists new to the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection add perspectives and ways of working that have not previously been explored in the collection. While many are new to the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection, these artists have garnered significant critical reception for their work. The artists in this section are also recognized for their inventive and creative approaches to art-making.

Recognizing Indigenous artists

In the last five years, the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection has sought to strengthen and expand the representation of Indigenous artists in the Collection. Artists such as Frank Shebagaget, Daphne Odjig and George Littlechild enrich the Art Collection.

The inclusion of Indigenous artists is a small step by the Art Collection to address the systemic barriers Indigenous artists have historically faced within art institutions and collections. The work in this section informs, celebrates and expands the world around us.

The long view on art

Reconnecting with artists who have been foundational to the Art Collection are represented in this section. Their work provides insights into the trajectories and changes in artists' careers over time.

Such examinations are particularly useful in teaching and researching long-term views on art and also demonstrate the impact and the role of the Art Collection today.

Moving forward

Museum collections are ever-changing. For the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection, these changes are most often connected to teaching and research, however, larger societal shifts and demographic changes on campus are also important factors in the directions the collection may take. On Becoming: New Acquisitions from the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection is a start for conversations on art collecting and collections at the University of Alberta. We hope you take this journey with us.

On Becoming: New Acquisitions from the University of Alberta Museums Art Collection is open until January 25, 2025, in Gallery A, Telus International Centre, 11104 87th Ave NW (Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., closed December 26 - 28).

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