2024 Acquisitions: Donations

Focused on the work of historical and contemporary artists who have contributed to the artistic life of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, our Permanent Collection is an essential part of the OAG’s activities. We are excited to look back and share a roundup of our 2024 donations, and the ways in which these works help to enrich our Collection.

We’re excited to share that the OAG acquired a number of works through generous donations over the course of last year .

In 2024 we wrapped up a series of multiyear donations, including a selection of artworks by photo and video-based artist Chantal Gervais from her Between Self and Other and The Body Ineffable (Les maux non-dits) series; 13 works on paper and a portfolio by artist Jerry Grey; as well as 6 works by artist Deborah Margo , comprising a 33-piece salt lick installation and five textile works.

We were delighted to enrich our collection of works on paper with the addition of a graphite portrait of Gilbert Norman Tucker by Jack Nichols; a portfolio by Susan Geraldine Taylor; a triptych by Juan Carlos Noria; and a selection of 10 works by printmaker Mary Curry. Noria was an active figure in Ottawa’s underground art scene in the early 2000s, and Curry’s works feature recurring motifs including birds, folk toys, plants, and poetry.

Esteemed Ottawa collector Bill Staubi generously donated 49 artworks, reflecting his unwavering support for queer and emerging artists and his deep commitment to Ottawa’s vibrant contemporary art scene. These works will form the core of OAG’s upcoming exhibition Grotto. Additionally, Carl Stewart’s textile installation Càrn, whose colours are derived from flags of nations that have criminalized homosexuality, will also be on display as part of this exhibition, courtesy of a donation from the artist.

In 2024, we were also pleased to receive significant donations of sculptural and installation works. These included a bronze sculpture of Russell Yuristy by Joe Fafard; Don Kwan’s captivating lantern work, Illumination Series, Fortune, which blends colour, light and family imagery to honour his ancestors; as well Michael Belmore’s powerful installation Rumble, recently showcased in the exhibition Art School Confidential: Celebrating 50 Years of the Department of Visual Arts, University of Ottawa.

Our collection of photography was enriched with a generous donation of 14 works by photographer Robert Bourdeau, along with 15 works by Michael Schreier.

To conclude, we were also delighted to acquire Grand Owl, a remarkable tapestry by Inuk artist Normee Ekoomiak from Nunavik. This donation coincides with an upcoming solo exhibition at the OAG this spring, which will delve deeper into Ekoomiak’s artistic vision.

The OAG would like to thank artists Michael Belmore, Robert Bourdeau, Chantal Gervais, Jerry Grey, Deborah Margo, and Carl Stewart, as well as donors Mela Constantinidi, Frances, Sean and Nathan Curry, Brian Foss, Mark London, Glenn McInnes, Sandra Miller and Mara Miller (in loving memory of Zavie and Ida Miller), Mark Schaan, Bill Staubi and Fafard Sculpture Inc. for their generous donations. OAG would also like to thank Mike Manson and Michel Liboiron for their generous support of these acquisitions.