Victoria’s Art Scene: A Celebration of Creativity and Culture
Victoria, British Columbia, has long been a sanctuary for artists, a city where creativity thrives amidst breathtaking landscapes and historic charm. While Emily Carr’s legacy is deeply embedded in the city’s artistic identity, Victoria’s art scene continues to evolve, with Indigenous artists and contemporary creators pushing boundaries and redefining expression. Victoria’s local art scene has something to inspire everyone.
Honouring Indigenous Art & Heritage
The Indigenous art scene in Victoria is an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. For thousands of years, the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest have expressed their stories, traditions, and identity through art. Today, Indigenous artists continue to honor their heritage while incorporating modern influences to create works that are both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary.
Rande Cook: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
One of Victoria’s most celebrated Indigenous artists is Rande Cook, a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation. Cook is known for his ability to blend traditional Northwest Coast design elements with contemporary materials and themes. His work ranges from large-scale carvings and prints to jewelry and multimedia installations. Each piece reflects a dialogue between past and present, honoring ancestral teachings while exploring modern issues such as environmental sustainability and cultural resilience.
Marika Echachis Swan: The Power of Printmaking
Another standout in Victoria’s Indigenous art community is Marika Echachis Swan, a Nuu-chah-nulth printmaker whose intricate woodblock prints capture the essence of Indigenous storytelling. Her work often explores themes of motherhood, community, and the deep spiritual relationship between people and nature. Swan’s artistry is deeply personal, yet universally resonant, offering a glimpse into the strength and wisdom of Indigenous traditions.
LessLIE: Reclaiming Identity Through Art
LessLIE, a Coast Salish artist, uses painting and printmaking as a means of cultural reclamation. His work often incorporates traditional Salish motifs while addressing themes of language revitalization and Indigenous sovereignty. Through his art, LessLIE challenges viewers to see Indigenous identity not as a relic of the past but as a vibrant, living force that continues to shape the present and future.
Kathryn Amisson: Capturing the Wild Beauty of British Columbia
For those who appreciate bold, impressionistic landscapes, Kathryn Amisson is a must-know name in Victoria’s art scene. Her paintings vividly capture the rugged coastlines, misty forests, and luminous skies of Vancouver Island. Using rich colors and expressive brushstrokes, Amisson’s work evokes the untamed beauty of the natural world, making her paintings both emotionally compelling and visually stunning.
Daniel Laskarin: Exploring Space and Perception
Daniel Laskarin is a sculptor and mixed-media artist whose thought-provoking work challenges conventional notions of space and perception. By incorporating industrial materials, repurposed objects, and unexpected textures, Laskarin creates pieces that invite viewers to question their relationship with the physical world. His work has been exhibited in galleries and public spaces throughout Canada, solidifying his reputation as an artist who pushes boundaries.
Maria Josenhans: The Magic of Light and Atmosphere
Painter Maria Josenhans specializes in landscapes that capture the fleeting magic of light and atmosphere. Her oil paintings, often inspired by the coastal landscapes of British Columbia, have an ethereal quality that draws viewers in. Josenhans’ ability to evoke emotion through subtle color shifts and delicate compositions has made her a rising star in Victoria’s art community.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) is the city’s premier fine art museum, housing an impressive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and Asian art. The AGGV regularly hosts exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of artistic expression, from historical pieces to contemporary works that challenge and inspire.
Madrona Gallery
A hub for contemporary Canadian art, Madrona Gallery showcases a mix of emerging and established artists. The gallery’s exhibitions highlight the rich diversity of artistic voices in Victoria, making it a great place to discover new talent and invest in unique pieces.
Mark Loria Gallery
Located in the heart of Victoria, BC, Mark Loria is a contemporary fine art gallery that showcases a curated selection of Canadian Indigenous and contemporary artists. Known for its elegant, light-filled space in the historic Fort Common area, the gallery highlights works ranging from intricate carvings and sculpture to bold paintings and prints. The gallery offers a welcoming environment for collectors and art enthusiasts to experience the richness and diversity of Indigenous art in Canada.
Join EV Tours for a private tour at your own pace and schedule. Our local knowledgeable guides will drive you to interesting places where you can delve in Victoria’s local art scene: Emily Carr & Victoria’s Local Art Scene