Queen’s is undergoing an additional assessment process before assuming ownership of a portrait of former Chancellor Murray Sinclair, distinguishing its acquisition from those of previous chancellor portraits.
The painting, titled The Honourable Senator Emeritus Murray Sinclair, was created by Cree artist Kent Monkman and is currently on loan to the University from the artist. The painting is currently displayed in Room 340 of Richardson Hall.
In a statement to The Journal, Queen’s confirmed it agreed to have the portrait assessed for designation as a cultural property of outstanding significance, which is a specific legal designation for certain valuable pieces of art, as part of the acquisition process.
“As a result, the acquisition and transfer of ownership have taken longer than for previous portraits,” the statement said.
Once the assessment is complete, ownership of the portrait will transfer to Queen’s, then the artwork will become part of the principal’s collection.
The University confirmed the portrait was always intended to be displayed in Room 340, alongside portraits of previous chancellors.
The portrait, painted in acrylic on canvas, is part of Monkman’s ongoing Shining Stars portrait series.
According to the University, Sinclair himself suggested Monkman as the artist for his portrait. At the same time, Sinclair was among the individuals Monkman hoped to portray through the series.
“Placing Sinclair’s portrait there recognizes his service to the university and as Queen’s first Indigenous Chancellor, it brings a perspective that had not previously been represented in this collection,” Queen’s said.
Monkman was unavailable for an interview.
Tags
Agnes, chancellor, Murray Sinclair, portrait
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to eic@queensjournal.ca.