Exhibition

Contemporary Art in Québec

  • MNBAQ Collections
BGL, Lost in Nature (The Car) (detail), 1998 (2000.356) ©bgl // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

We drew from our rich collection of over 9,000 pieces of contemporary art for this exhibition, which features seminal works created after 1960.

Key figures in Québec art

The exhibition is a vibrant tribute to the artists who shaped this period, including:

  • BGL
  • Nadia Myre
  • Paul Lacroix
  • Stéphane La Rue
  • Jacky Georges Lafargue
  • Janet Werner
  • Nicolas Baier
  • Valérie Blass
  • David Elliott
  • François Lacasse
  • Pierre Dorion
  • Stephen Schofield
  • Diane Landry
  • Guy Pellerin

As the Quiet Revolution raged on, art in Québec went through an unprecedented upheaval, the effects of which can still be seen today. Starting in the 1960s, a new awareness of art emerged, marked by redefined aesthetic parameters and a dizzying array of new forms of expression.

A room dedicated to the land

In November 2024, the room was redesigned around the theme of the land. The works show how artists are observers of the inhabited landscape. Some refer to forces of nature beyond our understanding, while others explore geopolitics or forms of spirituality.

  • In the background : David Elliot, Rainbow (for Rose and Licorice), 2008 (2013.19) © David Elliot // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

    David Elliot, Rainbow, 2008

  • Joseph Tisiga, The Benevolence of Nomadic Ancestors: 3 Masks, 3 Maps, 2 Camps (Map 2 of 3), 2019 (2024.47) © Joseph Tisiga

    Joseph Tisiga, 2019

  • In the Background : Ann Ashton, Widowmaker, 1994. (2008.142) © Ann Ashton // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

    Ann Ashton, 1994

  • BGL, Lost in Nature (The Car) (detail), 1998 (2000.356) ©bgl // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

    BGL, 1998

  • Reno Salvail, Paysages de l'île du fond de l'âme ou L'Odyssée de la mémoire, 1993 (CP.1994.78) // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

    Reno Salvail, 1993

  • De droite à gauche : BGL, Perdu dans la nature (La Voiture),

Contemporary Art in Québec
Beaudry, Eve-Lyne
Fraser, Marie

Publisher: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
Price: $19.95
Published June 27, 2016

Learn more
  • Guide de Collection art contemporain du Quebec

  • Featured Exhibition

    Niki de Saint Phalle sitting on one of her armchairs during the installation of her retrospective at the Centre Pompidou

    Until January 4, 2026

  • Permanent Exhibition

    Exposition Nous

    At all time

    Tickets are required to visit this exhibition.

    • MNBAQ Collections

  • Permanent Exhibition

    Vue de lexposition Arts decoratifs et design du Quebec8

    At all time

    Tickets are required to visit this exhibition.

    • MNBAQ Collections

  • Permanent Exhibition

    A family visting the Illipunga. Inuit Art. The Brousseau Collection exhibition // Photo : MNBAQ, Emmanuelle Letendre-Lévesque

    Permanent exhibition

    At all time

    Tickets are required to visit this exhibition.

    • MNBAQ Collections

  • Permanent Exhibition

    Jean Paul Riopelle, L'Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg (detail), 1992. Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 155 × 4039 cm (whole) MNBAQ, gift of the artist (1996.96) © Estate of Jean Paul Riopelle / CARCC, Ottawa, 2025 // Photo : MNBAQ, David Cannon

    At all time

    Free

    No reservation required

    • MNBAQ Collections
See all exhibitions

Sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter to be the first to know about our upcoming exhibitions, activities, and promotions.

Sign up
Presentation image of the newsletter representing two happy people passing cards to each other