Winnipeg Art Gallery sells 4 Queen Elizabeth II prints to purchase Indigenous art

The Winnipeg Art Gallery has sold Four Andy Warhol silkscreen prints of Queen Elizabeth II at auction for $936,000. The gallery intends to use the proceeds to purchase contemporary Indigenous art which will be displayed here inside the gallery.

The prints were sold at a fine-art auction in Toronto Thursday afternoon. Cowley Abbott, the auction house that sold the prints had estimated the Warhol works would sell between $700,000 to $900,000.

The WAG is currently undertaking a de-accessioning of certain artwork with the goal of acquiring more Indigenous artwork.

“We want to strike a balance, because for so long in the past, there was very little Indigenous art exhibited,” explained Stephen Borys, Director and CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Borys says the addition of Qaumajuq, an Inuit art centre inside the gallery, increased the presence of Inuit art, but he says First Nations and Metis art is severely underrepresented in the gallery.

“Just in terms of the colonial history and perhaps its impact on Indigenous communities and people, to sell these four works, which features the Queen is a powerful statement. Actually, I believe if the Queen was living today, she would approve of what we are doing.”

Dr. Sean Carleton, a historian at the University of Manitoba says European, especially English artwork has predominantly overshadowed Indigenous art here in Canada.

“It’s not about removing particular things, it’s about finding that representative balance to ensure that an art gallery located here reflects the art and vision of the original peoples of these lands,” said Dr. Carleton.

“It’s reflective of an institution that is taking its commitment to reconciliation and strengthening its relationship with Indigenous people seriously.”

In the larger context, Carleton says this decision is a major step in the right direction towards reconciliation.

“The hope is, that’s it’s not just a symbolic victory, but it is one that will actually support Indigenous artists in Canada and in the province, to continue to make that art, and to reflect their lives realities and help Canadians understand their lived perspectives.”

Borys says he wants the WAG to set an example and be a leader across the country in showcasing Indigenous art.

“This will allow us to play a more significant role, not just in acquiring the works, but supporting living artists, which is important to their well-being and their livelihood as artists.”