A Cultural Autumn in Vancouver: The New Exhibition Season at the Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery has unveiled an autumn program for 2025 that strikingly bridges local traditions with global perspectives. Featuring a mix of Indigenous art, internationally acclaimed figures like Nan Goldin, and an immersive installation by Jim Lambie, the gallery becomes a vibrant hub for contemporary artistic expression and cultural reflection. This ambitious lineup underscores the institution's commitment to presenting art as a dynamic and transformative force.

Artistic Highlights: Thematic Diversity and Emotional Depth

The exhibition We who have known tides: Indigenous Art from the Collection places Indigenous voices at the forefront, reflecting on the Pacific Ocean as both a source of inspiration and a metaphor for identity and transformation. Curated by Dr. Camille Georgeson-Usher, the show brings together approximately 40 works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. It offers a poetic exploration of time, place, and the ocean's ever-changing nature.

Equally anticipated is Nan Goldin: Stendhal Syndrome, the first major presentation of Goldin's work in Vancouver. This exhibition introduces audiences to the raw emotional resonance of Goldin’s imagery. Her video work Stendhal Syndrome (2024) combines two decades of photography with a deeply personal voiceover, juxtaposing classical, Renaissance, and Baroque masterpieces with intimate portraits of her close circle. This visual and emotional dialogue delves into themes of beauty, human connection, and the fleeting intensity of life.

Meanwhile, Zobop (Colour-Chrome) by Scottish artist Jim Lambie transforms the gallery’s rotunda into a strikingly colourful spectacle. Using strips of industrial vinyl tape, Lambie contours the architecture with pulsating bands of colour, creating an immersive environment that blurs the boundaries between sculpture, installation, and drawing. The result is a playful, almost performative reimagining of the gallery’s neo-classical core.

Curatorial Vision: Spaces for Dialogue and Transformation

The curatorial approach this season emphasizes art as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and engagement. We who have known tides offers a contemplative space where Indigenous worldviews and stories expand the visitor's understanding of place and belonging. In contrast, Nan Goldin: Stendhal Syndrome leads viewers on an emotional journey that merges art, memory, and life. Lambie’s installation, on the other hand, invites a sensory and physical interaction with art, dissolving conventional boundaries between the viewer and the space.

Notable Works and Loans

One of the season's standout pieces is Nan Goldin's Stendhal Syndrome, a video work jointly acquired in 2025 by the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Walker Art Center. This Canadian premiere exemplifies Goldin’s ability to intertwine the deeply personal with the universal. Equally remarkable is Lambie’s Zobop, whose vibrant vinyl strips not only transform the gallery’s space but also challenge the interaction with its iconic architecture.

From the Indigenous exhibition, Chief Beau Dick’s Big Whale (from Undersea Kingdom) (2017) is a key highlight. Crafted from red cedar, this sculpture merges traditional materials and techniques with contemporary narratives, offering new interpretations of Indigenous art practices.

Contextualizing the Gallery: A Leader in Cultural Discourse

The Vancouver Art Gallery ranks among North America’s premier art institutions, renowned for its focus on Indigenous art and the artistic contributions of the Asia-Pacific region. Its ability to weave historical and contemporary perspectives positions it as a vital contributor to the global art scene. The gallery’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in initiatives like the Art of Wellbeing Lab and year-round free admission for Indigenous visitors, emphasizing its role as a community-oriented institution.

Practical Information

The season begins with Zobop (Colour-Chrome) on October 22, 2025, followed by the openings of We who have known tides and Nan Goldin: Stendhal Syndrome on November 6, 2025. All exhibitions run through spring 2026. The gallery is open daily, with free admission for individuals under 18 and Indigenous visitors. A $58 annual pass grants unlimited access to all exhibitions.

Conclusion: A Season of Cultural Encounters

The Vancouver Art Gallery’s autumn program demonstrates how art can create spaces for encounter, reflection, and transformation. Rooted in the regional context while addressing global themes, the gallery has curated a season that is both intellectually enriching and emotionally resonant. The blend of Indigenous narratives, international avant-garde, and sensory spatial interventions makes this season a must-see for art enthusiasts and an exemplary model of museums as cultural crossroads.

Further details can be found at Vancouver Art Gallery.