Sandra Brewster shortlisted for prestigious Sobey Art Award

By Stephen Weir

It is official: Guyanese-Canadian artist Sandra Brewster has secured her place among this country’s top visual artists.

Last week, the national Sobey Art Award named her as one of six shortlisted Canadian artists recognized for excellence in contemporary visual arts.

Considered Canada’s most important art prize the Sobey carries both prestige and significant financial support. As Ontario’s finalist, Brewster receives $25,000 and a place on the national stage.

Brewster is a versatile creator — working in photography, drawing, painting, and video. She often describes herself as “the child of Guyanese parents.” Inspired by the Caribbean diaspora, her art explores her own diasporic experiences and broader themes of Black joy, resilience, and presence.

Among the works that earned her recognition is Guyana Girls (2024–25), a striking large-scale triptych depicting schoolgirls in uniform. The figures gaze directly at the viewer, embodying fortitude, hope, and post-colonial strength.

Born in Toronto 52 years ago, Brewster has long been a fixture of the city’s art scene. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University and later completed a Master of Visual Studies at the University of Toronto. Over the years, her work has been widely exhibited both in Canada and internationally. Highlights include shows at the Art Gallery of Ontario, The Power Plant at Harbourfront, MCA Chicago, and the renowned Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival in France. She has also been featured in the Toronto Biennial of Art.

Currently, the works of all six Sobey finalists — including Brewster’s Guyana Girls — are on display at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The overall winner of a $1000,000grand prize will be announced at a celebration on November 8, 2025.

For Brewster, the recognition is another milestone in a career that continues to expand the conversation about identity, diaspora, and Black presence in Canada.