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Bones, books, rocks and hammers — even bubble wrap — figure prominently in the latest exhibitions by acclaimed Métis artist and Governor General’s Award-recipient David Garneau, BFA'89, MA'93.  open March 20 at the University of Calgary’s at . 

Both exhibitions feature still-life acrylic paintings rich with vibrant colour and deep meaning. Objects associated with Indigenous tradition and identity such as grandfather rocks, sweetgrass and bison bones are contrasted with objects symbolizing colonial knowledge and power such as books, bricks, and chains.

“Indigenous and European influences are portrayed in much of my work. Both are equally important,” says Garneau. “I’m interested in how viewers interpret the meaning of my work.”

Dark Chapters is a travelling exhibition inspired by the and the description of residential schools by Justice Murray Sinclair, Hon. LLD'17, as “one of the darkest, most troubling chapters in our collective history.” 

Reading the Ruins explores themes of conflict and war, contemplating the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine as well as the legacy of the Dark Times, the repression of Métis people following the resistances of 1869 (Red River) and 1885 (Batoche). This exhibition includes new paintings of artifacts from the era of the North-West Mounted Police from the holdings of UCalgary’s . 

Garneau last exhibited at UCalgary in the in 2023, just after receiving the Governor General’s Award in Visual Arts for Outstanding Achievement.

“It’s a privilege to welcome David back to UCalgary and wonderful to share the work of one of our country’s most talented and admired visual artists,” says , PhD, vice-provost for Libraries and Cultural Resources. 

“It’s all the more special because David is a UCalgary alum. We’re pleased to present these exhibitions to advance public dialogue and education.”

Originally from Edmonton, Garneau is professor of visual arts at the University of Regina, where he shares office space with a number of “recurring characters” that appear in his work, including a stone hammer, a Métis Dark Times sash, and more than a dozen rocks and stones.

Garneau practised portraiture while studying at UCalgary, then became intrigued by still life as a form of expression because of the powerful ability of objects to evoke thoughts and emotion.

“Bubble wrap can be protective, but it can also be smothering,” Garneau explains, using one example of an item that appears in some of his work. 

Garneau’s impact on Canadian art is profound, remarks , managing curator of Founders’ Gallery. 

“His approachable, yet challenging artistry has value for students, teachers, and the public, alike, to better understand the place of Métis people in our collective history." 

Dark Chapters is curated by and Reading the Ruins is curated by Averns. 

A public  takes place Friday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. 

Complementing the Dark Chapters exhibition is the book , which offers analysis through 17 writings by poets, fiction writers, curators and art critics. A  takes place in the gallery the afternoon of Saturday, March 21. .

The exhibitions run until Aug. 30. The Military Museums is located at 4520 Crowchild Tr. S.W.