The National Gallery of Canada has announced a significant gift of 61 contemporary artworks valued at 22.8 million CAD from Vancouver-based businessperson and philanthropist Bob Rennie and The Rennie Family. This donation, one of the most substantial in the Gallery’s history, includes pieces from some of the most influential names in contemporary art. Rennie, a Distinguished Patron of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, was recently named to the ARTnews 2024 Top 200 Collectors list.
Paul Genest, Chair of the Board, and Jean-François Bélisle, Director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada, expressed gratitude for the donation. They emphasized that the gift aligns with the Gallery’s mission to make art accessible to Canadians nationwide. They praised the Rennie Collection for its focus on themes of identity, social commentary, and justice, and acknowledged the National Gallery of Canada Foundation for its role in fostering partnerships that help bring art to a broader audience.
Bob Rennie began collecting art at the age of 17 and noted that the core of his collection was developed with Carey Fouks. He explained that their vision has always centered around custodianship—ensuring that artists’ work and voices are preserved beyond their lifetimes. He highlighted the National Gallery’s values of conservation and public access as key reasons for choosing the institution as the custodian of these works. Rennie described the donation as a proud moment for his family and a step toward protecting the legacies of the artists represented.
Among the donated works are 40 pieces by Rodney Graham, the late Canadian artist known for his diverse practice that spanned five decades. The gift includes installations, lightboxes, paintings, and early works, providing a comprehensive view of his career.
Also included are three works by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, adding to the three pieces already in the Gallery’s collection. British artist Yinka Shonibare’s large-scale installation, composed of 6,600 books, will also join the collection. The work honors immigrants across the Americas, including notable individuals with Canadian ties.
The donation features 10 works by British-Palestinian artist Mona Hatoum, who has a long-standing connection to Canada through exhibitions and residencies. American artist Dan Graham, known for his influence on Canadian artists and institutions, is also represented.
New additions to the Gallery’s collection include large-scale works by Meleko Mokgosi, Toby Ziegler, Allora and Calzadilla, Gilbert & George, and the art collective Tim Rollins and K.O.S. These artists bring strong social justice perspectives that align with the core themes of the Rennie Collection.
The donation marks a major expansion of the National Gallery of Canada’s contemporary art holdings and reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusive, thought-provoking art across Canada and beyond.
