Canada Post celebrates Daphne Odjig’s contribution to Canadian art

Art Canada series enriched by colourful palette of native artist

Ottawa, Feb. 21 – Today, Canada Post issued three new stamps featuring the artwork of Canadian aboriginal artist Daphne Odjig. The stamps feature three of Odjig’s acrylic pieces. Each painting, Spiritual Renewal (1984), Pow-wow Dancer (1978), and Pow-wow (1969), is a representation of Odjig’s passion for the arts and love of her native heritage.”Daphne’ Odjig’s colourful palette evokes strength and power,” said Jim Philips, Canada Post’s Director of Stamp Services. “Canada Post is proud to add the work of this respected Canadian artist to our Art Canada series. I am also thrilled that Ms. Odjig is scheduled to be present for the unveiling of the stamps in Kelowna on February 26.”

Daphne Odjig’s art has been influenced by her life experiences. Born in 1919, to a father of native descent and an English war bride mother, Odjig first realized her love of fine arts during her school years on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island. In 1942, Odjig moved to Toronto where she fed her passion for art by visiting the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

In 1964, a series of ink and pencil sketches of the Cree people of Manitoba gained Odjig critical acclaim. The entire works of this exhibition were later purchased by the Federal Department of Cultural Affairs. From that point, the appreciation for, and popularity of, Odjig’s work grew as did her recognition by the art world. Her achievements have been numerous over the years — including being the recipient of the Governor General’s Laureate, Visual & Media Arts award in 2007. This award is Canada’s highest honour in the field of Visual Arts.

About the stamp

The domestic rate stamps found on the pane of 16 measure 40 mm x 40 mm (square) with 13+ perforations, with P.V.A. gum. The U.S. rate stamps are available in booklets of 6 stamps, measuring 32 mm x 40 mm (vertical) with pressure sensitive gum type. The international rate stamps are available in booklets of 6 stamps, measuring 56 mm x 40 mm (horizontal) with pressure sensitive gum type. Both the U.S. and international stamps have simulated perforations. Lowe-Martin printed 1.5 million domestic rate stamps and 600,000 of each of the U.S. and international rate stamps, 200,000 souvenir sheets of three stamps, and 1,500 uncut press sheets. All stamps were printed using Tullis Russell paper. The domestic rate stamp and souvenir sheet of three panes and uncut press sheets were printed using lithography in nine colours and the U.S. and international booklets were printed using lithography in five colours. All stamps are general tagged on all sides. The official first day cover will be cancelled in Penticton, British Columbia.

For further information:

Media Relations
613 734-8888
medias@canadapost.ca