Musée d’art de Joliette acquires artwork by Fine Arts alum Dayna Danger

At this year's Plural Contemporary Art Fair in Montreal, work by Concordia Faculty of Fine Arts alum Dayna Danger, MFA 17, and PhD candidate caught the attention of a major institution — and earned a permanent place in its collection.

Danger (they/them) is a Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, Métis-Saulteaux-Polish visual artist, hide tanner, drummer, and beadworker. The museum acquired “asinnajaq,” part of a series of photographic portraits in which Danger examines “preconceived and pernicious narratives about Indigenous peoples in the early history of photography.” (Art Volt)

Until its acquisition by the museum, the portrait was part of Concordia’s Art Volt Collection, a not-for-profit sales and rental service that showcases emerging artists and provides career support as they transition into the professional art world.

“Dayna’s work is amazing, and it’s been a great honour to highlight and support their practice over the last three years,” says Fannie Gadouas, manager of strategic initiatives and industry relations at the Faculty of Fine Arts, who oversees Art Volt activities. “They’ll be leaving the collection this spring, so ending our collaboration with a museum acquisition is especially exciting!”

The Art Volt Collection’s presence at Plural also marked a broader success for Concordia’s emerging artists. In addition to Danger’s acquisition, works by Louis-Charles Dionne, BFA 17, also found new homes.

“We were so glad to have sold works by both artists we brought to Plural this year," Gadouas adds. "The fair is an incredible opportunity to give recent alumni visibility and help connect them to gallerists, publications, collectors, and more. It can really open doors!”

Meet the artist

“It’s incredibly exciting to have my work included in the Musée d’art de Joliette’s collection. I deeply value when public institutions acquire my work — it means the art is preserved and can be shared with future generations,” says Danger.

“When a piece is sold privately, it often becomes accessible only to one person or circle. But my practice is rooted in and for my queer community. Having work in a public collection ensures that the people I make it for can experience it in person — not just through documentation or publications.”

Danger’s large-scale works reclaim space and power for women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people. Drawing on symbolism from kink communities, their practice critically examines themes of visibility, rejection, sexuality, and power through frameworks of consent and kinship.

Danger hopes viewers can sense the love, care, and intimacy in their photograph. “It features asinnajaq, a dear kin of mine, whose presence has been profoundly influential in my life and work. I believe in photographing the people who uplift and sustain us. asinnajaq is a visionary visual artist who has taught me so much about how we can care for each other in an art world that often feels extractive and competitive. We’ve collaborated on many projects, and our kinship continues to show me how creative work can be rooted in care and in our shared commitment to visual sovereignty,” they add.

A unique platform for emerging talent

The Art Volt Collection, part of the broader Art Volt program, is a unique initiative within the Canadian academic sector. Dedicated to supporting soon-to-be and recent Fine Arts alumni, it offers services like mentorship, workshops, and exhibition opportunities.

This year marked the Collection’s second appearance at Plural, helping to solidify its role in giving early-career artists critical exposure.

“Being at Plural is a major opportunity,” Gadous emphasizes. “We’re grateful for the visibility it provides, and an acquisition from a major artistic institution like the Musée d’art de Joliette really helps legitimize and elevate the work we do. It feels terrific to know that we’re doing something right and that people are starting to notice!”

The excitement is shared by the Musée d’art de Joliette, which sees the acquisition as a meaningful addition to its collection.

“We are proud to have added a work by Dayna Danger to our collection. Their engaged practice resonates with our desire to highlight voices that are too often marginalized," says Annie Gauthier, executive director and chief curator of the Musée d’art de Joliette.

"The work stood out for its visual strength and the sensitivity of its message, which deeply moved the members of the acquisition committee. It enriches the museum’s collection while creating an essential space for dialogue with the public."

Looking ahead

Each year, new artists join the Art Volt Collection, continuing the platform’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent. The next cohort of artists will be announced on June 10 at the exhibition launch at the FOFA Gallery.

Attend the vernissage for the latest Art Volt collection on June 10.

Find out more about Concordia’s Department of Studio Arts.

Discover the works in the Art Volt Collection.