Tantramar’s own Thaddeus Holownia has once again earned national attention, recently being honoured as one of the recipients of this year’s Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts.
Holownia, a photographer, visual artist, teacher and publisher based in Jolicure, was one of 8 recipients, and the only Atlantic artist, to be recognized with one of this year’s awards, which recognizes remarkable careers in the visual and media arts.
“Thaddeus Holownia, a visual artist with a career spanning over four decades, stands out for his distinctive interpretation of time, place and the natural environment,” states Mireille Eagan, curator of contemporary art, and John Leroux, manager of collections and exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, who nominated Holownia for the award.
They also state in their nomination: “Hołownia’s photography goes beyond mere documentation, offering a contemplative reflection on the environment and its evolution over time. It is a profound dedication to place and the act of looking.”
“His work, marked by [its] technical excellence and emotional depth, captures the beauty and complexity of our world and encourages a deeper reflection on our place within it.”
The Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts were created in 1999 by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Governor General of Canada. Winners receive a medallion and a cash prize of $25,000 each.
The awards were presented during a ceremony last month at MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina.
