Artist David Thauberger looks at two of his prints on a wall in his studio.
David Thauberger looks at two of his prints hung up on a wall in his studio.

David Thauberger: Prints, Passion, and Prairie Perspectives 

Strong Impressions: 60 Years of Collecting Prints at Remai Modern highlights the evolution of the museum’s print collection, built through decades of collaboration between donors and curators. Among the featured contributors is renowned Saskatchewan artist David Thauberger, whose lifelong passion for prints has shaped both his artistic journey and the museum’s collection. 

Born and raised in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, Thauberger’s deep connection to the prairies has been a constant inspiration in his work. Initially pursuing a major in ceramics at the University of Regina, he later expanded his artistic practice during graduate studies in California. 

Known for his bold and colourful depictions of prairie architecture and small-town life, Thauberger’s paintings often celebrate the ordinary. He’s known for transforming familiar scenes into something extraordinary. 

“If I’m going to live here and be here, why shouldn’t I make art that’s not only from here, but that’s about living here,” he said during a recent interview at his studio in Regina. 

Thauberger’s iconic style combines meticulous detail with a deep appreciation for place, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the landscapes and communities of Saskatchewan. 

A Significant Contribution to Remai Modern 

In 2016, Thauberger and his wife Veronica donated 25 prints to Remai Modern. This contribution was inspired in part by the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation’s remarkable gift of 405 Pablo Picasso linocuts to the museum. For the Thaubergers, this was a moment to celebrate the museum’s opening. It also allowed them to bolster Remai Modern’s print collection with works that spoke to their personal interests as collectors. 

“I suggested to the curator at the time… that this might be an opportunity to start to expand the collection,” Thauberger explained. “It wasn’t with any kind of thematic focus… It just had to do with prints that we had acquired over the years that we thought might be good additions to the… Remai collection of contemporary prints.” 

The donation reflects Thauberger’s keen interest in artists who influenced him during pivotal moments in his career. While attending graduate school in California, Thauberger was exposed to Pop Art and California Funk. These movements transformed his understanding of artmaking. 

Artist David Thauberger hangs a print in his studio.
David Thauberger hangs a print in his studio.

“The whole world of art actually opened up,” he recalls. “That’s where I got inspired and started making paintings of my own.” 

For Thauberger, printmaking became both a creative outlet and a means of connecting with other artists.  

“Collecting prints has been my education in printmaking,” he says. “There’s not a better teacher in terms of how to make art than looking at other art.” 

This sentiment aligns with the curatorial vision of Strong Impressions. The exhibition not only showcases the Picasso linocuts and the Thauberger donation but also explores the rich history of printmaking that has shaped the museum’s collection. Spanning over 40 works by Canadian and international artists—including pieces donated by Cheryll Woodbury and Gerald Ferguson—the exhibition demonstrates how prints serve as an accessible and vibrant medium for both artists and collectors. 

What does Thauberger hope visitors take away from Strong Impressions? Above all, he hopes to spark enthusiasm. 

“Maybe some people might be enthusiastic to actually participate—in terms of collecting, donating… or [getting] enthusiastic about prints and printmaking,” he says. “Here’s an area where [anyone] could start to build a collection… Which is what we’ve done over the last 40-plus years.” 

As a creator whose work often reflects the prairies and small-town Saskatchewan, Thauberger’s passion for prints is rooted in a desire to connect deeply with place and community. His contribution to Remai Modern mirrors this, offering a legacy of creativity and collaboration for future generations to explore. 

Three distinct art prints shown next to each other. The first print on the left features a vibrant abstract design in red, yellow, and blue hues, depicting a face divided into two contrasting halves with bold geometric patterns. The text 'Vallauris' and 'Toros' is prominently displayed. The second print in the center is a black-and-white illustration of a stylized, nude figure kneeling with intricate patterns in the background, exuding a bold and expressive linework style. The third print on the right has a minimalist design with a bright yellow background, showcasing a tall, silver flagpole topped with a sphere and a white flag waving in the breeze. Handwritten notes are scattered around the print, adding conceptual context.
From left to right: Pablo Picasso, Vallauris, 1956, linocut, 66 x 54 cm. Collection of Remai Modern. Gift of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation 2012. Photo: Carey Shaw. © Picasso Estate (Copyright Visual Arts-CARCC, 2024); Rudy Autio, Festival,1994, lithograph, 76.2 × 55.9 cm. Collection of Remai Modern. Gift of Veronica and David Thauberger, 2016. James Rosenquist, Art Gallery, 1971, two-colour lithograph, 76.5 x 56.7 cm. Collection of Remai Modern. Gift of Cheryll Woodbury, 2020. Photo: Carey Shaw

In addition to the Thaubergers’ donation, highlights from the following notable donations/acquisitions have been selected for the exhibition as well: 

  • Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation: Donated 405 Picasso linocuts, forming a cornerstone of the museum’s print collection. 
  • Cheryll Woodbury: Contributed eight prints by seminal American artists printed at Graphicstudio, University of South Florida, between 2013 and 2022. 
  • Gerald Ferguson: Donated 27 prints produced in the early 1970s at the Lithography Workshop at NSCAD University, Halifax. 
  • John Climer: The Mendel Art Gallery’s first director, whose foundational 1965 purchase of 72 Canadian prints established the museum’s print collection. 

Strong Impressions: 60 Years of Collecting Prints at Remai Modern runs from January 25 to November 9, 2025. Explore the exhibition to discover the stories behind these remarkable works and the people who brought them to the museum.