Garry Kennedy


Garry Neill Kennedy, CM is a Canadian conceptual artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Life

Kennedy studied at the Ontario College of Art, the University at Buffalo and the University of Ohio. In 1967, at the age of 32, he was appointed president of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, the youngest ever to serve in that position. He was president of the college for 23 years.

Work

Kennedy has been called a "near-legendary figure in the Canadian conceptual art scene" for his contributions to this area in both his art practice and as head of NSCAD. Kennedy has exhibited extensively, including a major show at the National Gallery of Canada in 2000.

Awards

He was awarded the Portia White Prize by the Arts Council of Nova Scotia in 2000.
In 2004 Kennedy received a Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts. His jury citation called him "one of the most distinguished figures in Canadian art. Not only has he produced a body of conceptual painting that is recognized internationally, he was also instrumental in establishing an international reputation for the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, of which he was the innovative head for 23 years."
In 2004 Kennedy was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson for his contributions as an administrator, educator and artist, enriching Canada's cultural legacy.