Sheila Grant 2016 – Galerie Sans Nom

The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is proud to partner with Galerie Sans Nom in the publication of Mario Doucette, a critical review and documentation of a significant body of work by one of New Brunswick’s rising stars. The foundation works to support the visual arts through awards and grants to recognize achievement and support advancement of our artists. This project is an opportunity to contribute to New Brunswick cultural heritage and to champion Mario Doucette, an artist of unique power and vision.

In 2014, Mario Doucette was the inaugural winner of the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation 10,000 Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship, a juried award for artistic excellence by a mid career New Brunswick artist. Jurors Thaddeus Holownia, Tom Smart and Louise Poulin characterized Doucette as an emerging talent deeply engaged in significant work. It has been deeply rewarding to watch the evolution of this work throughout his fellowship year. Drawing strongly on the rich tradition of history painting, Doucette challenges the myths of colonialism. The exhibition Harias is a tour de force masterfully re-examining the history of l’Acadie.

Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is grateful to Rémi Belliveau and Annie France Noël of Galerie Sans Nom for leadership in expanding the critical discourse around the work of an important Canadian artist. Their focus on creating publications that make contemporary art accessible to the public is commendable and we congratulate them for their ongoing work. We wish to recognize Michael Landry, Elise Anne LaPlante and Herménégilde Chiasson whose insights into New Brunswick art continue to enrich us all.