OCAD University mourns the passing of Daphne Odjig
Thursday, October 6, 2016 - 6:45pm

Daphne Odjig Photo: Lois Seigel
Legendary Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig has passed away at the age of 97 in Kelowna, B.C.
Odjig was one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, a painter and printmaker who mixed Indigenous symbols with Cubist and Surrealist images. She joined artists including Alex Janvier and Jackson Beardy to become part of what was known as “The Indian Group of Seven.” Her work drew attention to Aboriginal political issues including colonization, displacement and the status of Indigenous women and children.
Her family, especially her stone carver grandfather, Jonas Odjig, encouraged her to explore art. In 1963 she was formally recognized as an artist when she was admitted to the British Columbia Federation of Artists.
Odjig is a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Governor General's Award in Visual Arts. She received a wide range of honours and recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate from OCAD U in 2008.

Legendary Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig has passed away at the age of 97 in Kelowna, B.C.
Odjig was one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, a painter and printmaker who mixed Indigenous symbols with Cubist and Surrealist images. She joined artists including Alex Janvier and Jackson Beardy to become part of what was known as “The Indian Group of Seven.” Her work drew attention to Aboriginal political issues including colonization, displacement and the status of Indigenous women and children.
Her family, especially her stone carver grandfather, Jonas Odjig, encouraged her to explore art. In 1963 she was formally recognized as an artist when she was admitted to the British Columbia Federation of Artists.
Odjig is a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Governor General's Award in Visual Arts. She received a wide range of honours and recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate from OCAD U in 2008.