Controversial painter still breaking ground

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In the 1960's and 70's, Alex Janvier achieved notoriety by signing his paintings with his treaty number 287.

In 1965, while under contract with the department of Indian Affairs, he was labelled a rebel and had his contract torn up.

In 1977, he accused the National Indian Arts and Crafts Corporation of trying to "hamburger Native arts and then serve it to 20 million people."

Today, Janvier is less interested in stirring up controversy. He'd rather let his paintings speak for themselves. And if he had to sign a number, it just might be the number 30, as in 1960-1990.

"Thirty years is a mark I'm proud of, an appreciation for having lasted that long," Janvier said in a recent interview.

On the eve of his 30 year retrospective at the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Dene artist was in a jovial mood. Asked what they key to his longevity was, he replied, "Just keep painting and don't die. That's the measuring stick."

Alexandre Simeon Janvier was born in Cold Lake, Alberta in 1935. He attended the Alberta College and Art and graduated with an honors diploma in 1960. When he blazed into the Native arts scene (if it could be called a 'scene' at all) he was dismayed to find it full of stereotypes, or as he puts it, "cowboy and Indian stuff."

"There was no Native art when I started, except paintings by Gerald Tailfeathers. I think I've led it out of the darkness and into the light."

No one can argue that Alex Janvier has had a profound affect on Aboriginal art. His bold, colorful strokes and imaginative designs have gone a long way to defining Native art - especially abstract Native art. Today, this style enjoys a popularity that would have been unthinkable when Janvier started.

"This is only the beginning. I see big things coming - a block-buster for Native art. The establishment is trying to put a screech to it but they can't stop it."

One thing is certain - no one can stop Alex Janvier. His work is in constant demand, filling galleries in Houston, Ottawa, Victoria and Edmonton. His paintings routinely sell for thousands of dollars. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

"What I'd like to do now, the next big thing would be a one-man show in Paris or New York."

Janvier has two one-man shows running in Edmonton. The first, at the West End Gallery, features new paintings by the artist and is a continuation of the work he began for the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. The work will be on display until June 30.

At the same time, the Edmonton Art Gallery is pleased to present a 30 year retrospective of Janvier's career, encompassing 60 paintings in all. The show runs from June 11 until August 28 and is a wonderful opportunity to trace the artist's career during his most influential period, 1960 to 1990.

"I'm delighted by this acceptance of course, But it wasn't always this way," said Janvier.

The artist recalls a conversation, back in 1965, with an official of the National Gallery.

"I told this man that we (Aboriginal artists) would be in the gallery in 30 years. He laughed and said, 'That'll be the day.' We made it in just 27."

Galleries aren't the only place to find his work, though. He's also painted murals in such buildings as the municipal building of the County of Strathcona and the Muttart Conservatory.

"When Janvier is painting in a building of mine, the structure becomes less mechanical and more human," said architect Peter Hemingway.

Over the long span of his career, Janvier has painted in many diverse settings. He credits each with his development as an artist.

"In college I got into the big picture. I became disciplined and learned the basics. Then I moved into the city and became more involved, more political. After that I settled in the suburbs and there I had the opporunity to launch an exciting career. Later I had to move back to the country to regroup morally, physically and mentally. I guess I needed to re-culturize."

Feeling - and painting - better than ever, Janvier has this advice for spiring artists, Aboriginal and otherwise

"Get honest and paint. That's the key."

But what's next for Janvier himself? He won't say, except that it'll be bigger and better than anything he's ever done before.