Photo by Murray Mitchell, Daphne Odjig smiles in front of her 1984 work, Spiritual Renewal, on exhibition at the Kamploops Art Gallery in June, 2008.
Daphne Odjig is an Indigenous painter and printmaker who is widely commemorated in Canada for her contributions toward the success and survival of the Canadian-Indigenous visual arts community. Odjig was born on September 11, 1919, in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Daphne Odjig’s artistic journey began under the influence of her grandfather, who was a tombstone carver and storyteller. At an early age, her grandfather introduced her to art-making, drawing and painting, providing her with her start in the world of art.
Daphne Odjig’s breakthrough into the indigenous art community occurred in the 1960s after her move to British Columbia. Daphne Odjig continuously aimed to address issues following colonization, Indigenous women and children’s status, and other indigenous political issues through her art. Odjig was always experimental and imaginative with her art; using varying media and styles based on her selected topic. In the 1960s, she incorporated sweeping calligraphic lines in her narrative paintings, then in the 1970s, focused more toward history paintings. Odjig’s works began to gain recognition after her first few exhibitions, with her first one in 1967 at the Lakehead Art Centre in Thunder Bay and her second one in Brandon, Manitoba in 1968. In 1971, Odjig opened up a small craft shop to distribute works made by herself and by other struggling Indigenous artists. Additionally, in the same year, she established the first Indigenous-owned art gallery in Canada: Odjig Indian Prints of Canada Ltd, which was later renamed the New Warehouse Gallery. The Warehouse began and supported projects between other Ingenious artists, and helped bring about the emergence of the group known as the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. Made up of 7 artists, this group was determined to influence Indigenous art in Canada – and they did.
Library and Archives Canada / 4318736
Indeed, Daphne Odjig’s impact on Indigenous artists and the art community in Canada has created a remarkable legacy that has inspired many. She has received many honorary awards from all over Canada and beyond. Odjig received the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2007, along with recognition from Queen Elizabeth II, by way of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and Golden Jubilee Medals. Daphne Odjig was an incredible woman who never failed to impress and support her community with her tremendous success and commitment to raising awareness.
Aboriginal's Palette 