Joe Fafard (1942–2019) was a Canadian sculptor best known for his sculptures of farm animals, particularly cows, as well as portraits of artists, politicians, friends and people from his community. Working in clay and bronze, Fafard became known for sculptures that captured the individual character of farm animals and people, often with a touch of humour. His work helped establish sculpture influenced by rural life as an important part of contemporary Canadian art.
Untitled (Cow Lying Down), 1977, Untitled (Cow Standing) (1978), ceramic by Joe Fafard
MacKenzie Art Gallery
Fafard was born on September 2, 1942, in Sainte-Marthe, Saskatchewan, into a French-Canadian farming family. Growing up in a rural agricultural community gave him firsthand experience of the animals and people that would become central to his work. He studied at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1966, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Pennsylvania State University in 1968.
After completing his studies, Fafard taught sculpture and pottery at the University of Saskatchewan in Regina from 1968 to 1974. During this period, he explored clay as a sculptural medium and developed his interest in portraying animals and people from everyday life. In 1974, he left teaching to pursue sculpture full-time in Pense, Saskatchewan.
Although Fafard initially became known for his ceramic sculptures, bronze became central to his practice in the 1980s. A major commission for the Toronto-Dominion Centre in Toronto led to the creation of The Pasture (1985), an installation of seven bronze cows placed in the centre's public plaza. The work brought his sculptures to a broad audience and remains one of his best-known public artworks.
The Pasture, 1985, bronze cows with varying patinas by Joe Fafard
One of the installation's seven bronze cows
That same year, Fafard established Julienne Atelier, his own foundry (a factory where metal castings are produced) in Pense. Having greater control over the casting process allowed him to produce bronze sculptures of varying sizes, from individual figures to large public installations. His subjects continued to include farm animals, wildlife, neighbours and well-known cultural and political figures.
Fafard's animal sculptures are recognizable for their individuality. Rather than treating cows and horses as generic subjects, he gave each figure a distinct posture and presence. His portraits similarly captured the characteristics of their subjects, whether depicting people from his community or prominent figures in public life. This combination of familiar subjects, careful observation and understated humour helped make his work accessible to audiences beyond the traditional art world.
Running Horses, 2017, powder coated aluminium, 10–12 metre installation width by Joe Fafard
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
Fafard received the Officer of the Order of Canada in 1981, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada's Allied Arts Award in 1987, and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2002. He also received honorary degrees from the University of Regina, the University of Manitoba and the University of Saskatchewan.
In 2007, the MacKenzie Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Canada organized a major retrospective of his work. The exhibition travelled to six Canadian venues between 2007 and 2009, presenting the development and variety of his sculpture across several decades. In 2012, Canada Post featured three of his artworks in its Art Canada stamp series.
Espérance, 2004, bronze by Joe Fafard
University of Regina President’s Art Collection
Joe Fafard died on March 16, 2019, at his farm near Lumsden, Saskatchewan. His sculptures remain in public and museum collections across Canada and internationally. Through his portrayals of farm animals, neighbours and influential figures, Fafard created a body of work that connected the particularities of prairie life with subjects audiences everywhere could recognize.
Saskatoon (AP III), 2007, bronze sculpture by Joe Fafard
University of Regina President’s Art Collection
Consignment at Rookleys
At Rookleys Canadian Art, we are actively seeking works by Joe Fafard for consignment, offering consignment rates far lower below what auction houses charge. If you have a piece by Joe Fafard to consign, please contact us at info@rookleys.com to discuss these opportunities further.
Silvers, 1999, bronze sculpture with grey patina by Joe Fafard
National Gallery of Canada
Bibliography
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. “Joe Fafard.”
Governor General of Canada. “Mr. Joe Fafard.”
Joe Fafard. “Biography.” Joe Fafard Official Website.
MacKenzie Art Gallery. “Joe Fafard.”
MacKenzie Art Gallery. “Joe Fafard.” Exhibition, September 27, 2007–January 6, 2008.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation. “Toronto-Dominion Centre.”