Alex Janvier

Alex Janvier is a Canadian painter of Dene Suline and Saulteaux descent, born on February 28, 1935, in Cold Lake First Nations, Alberta. He is recognized for his unique style that blends Indigenous art traditions with modernist abstract painting. Janvier's work often features bright colors, swirling lines, and forms that reflect his personal experiences, cultural heritage, and political issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Janvier was one of the first Indigenous artists in Canada to receive formal art training, graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Art in 1960. He was also a member of the influential group of Indigenous artists known as the Indian Group of Seven, which included Daphne Odjig, Norval Morrisseau, and Jackson Beardy, among others. This group worked to challenge stereotypes and promote Indigenous art within the mainstream Canadian art scene.

One of Janvier's most notable works is the mural Morning Star at the Canadian Museum of History, which was completed in 1993. The mural covers the dome of the museum's Grand Hall and is a vibrant depiction of the history and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Janvier's work has been exhibited widely across Canada and internationally, and he has received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada in 2007 and the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2008.

Throughout his career, Janvier has remained committed to advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty through his art. His paintings continue to inspire and influence both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, and his contributions to Canadian art have solidified his status as a significant figure in the contemporary art world.