The works assembled by the Audain family over the last two decades cover Canadian art indigenous to British Columbia, as well as the largest collection of Mexican modernist art known in Canada . The Audains’ 18 Mexican works are on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery, along with ceremonial objects of First Nations people, and the art of famous Canadians, including realist E. J. Hughes and B.C’s largest collection of Emily Carr.

Above: Diego Rivera, Maternidad (Motherhood), 1954. Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa collection.

Some examples of the notable art in the Audain exhibit, which runs through Jan. 29, 2012

Tlingit Artist, Owl Mask 1840-60s

E. J. Hughes – Departure from Nanaimo, 1964

The role of private collectors in the art world has always been essential to both artists and museums. Private collections are formed in a variety of ways, yet some achieve particular distinction for their depth, breadth and quality -Vancouver Art Gallery

Emily Carr – War Canoes, Alert Bay 1912