Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art

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Kent Monkman, Study for “mistikôsiwak (Wooden Boat People): Resurgence of the People,” (Final Variation) (detail), 2019

acrylic on canvas 107.3 x 213.4 cm (Collection of the Sobey Art Foundation © Kent Monkman)

Generations: The Sobey Family and Canadian Art tells the story of one family’s visionary engagement with Canadian and Indigenous art, braiding together works by early European newcomers like Cornelius Krieghoff; titans of Canadian 20th century art, the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, David Milne and Emily Carr; a rich display of works by the Quebec Impressionists, as well as Automatiste painters Jean Paul Riopelle and Paul-Émile Borduas; and works by trail-blazing artists of today, including contemporary Indigenous artists Kent Monkman, Brenda Draney, Brian Jungen and Annie Pootoogook, as well as leading international artist Peter Doig. A recurring theme in the exhibition is the North Atlantic, its role in history, and its impact on artists’ imaginations.

Generations is timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Sobey Art Award, which has had a groundbreaking impact on the visibility and vitality of contemporary artmaking across Canada. This nationally touring exhibition will celebrate that milestone, demonstrating the range and depth of the Sobey family’s engagement with Canadian art, and their prescient and visionary leadership in the cultural sector – a gift to Canada like no other. 

Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Curated by McMichael Canadian Art Collection Chief Curator, Sarah Milroy