We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James MacSwain (1945 – 2025). 

Jim was an extraordinary human. Endlessly creative, joyful, fiercely intelligent and generous beyond words. He was an artist in the fullest sense. His practice which spanned decades included visual art, filmmaking, as well as performance. He was a maker, a collaborator, a teacher, and a mentor. His sense of wonder was full of enthusiasm and joy, and it was as infectious as his laugh. He was also an open and generous supporter of all art forms; a patron of theatre, dance and music across genres. 

A long time member of Visual Arts Nova Scotia, Jim also volunteered on our Board of Directors and was a mentor in our Mentorship Program. You can see from the many tributes that have already been shared that he was part of many communities. Defined by art practices, shared values, queerness and geographies. He was not only a member of these groups, but he connected them to one another. Jim’s work, his practice, his love for creation and for people is woven into the fabric of his relationships and his art. 

When Jim was awarded the Portia White Prize, he designated VANS as his protégé. The funds from that gift enabled us to start our Mentorship Program that continues today. Over the years Jim would arrive at the VANS office as he was out and about, put down a tote bag (or three), and settle onto the bench in our shared office to hold court for an indeterminate length of time.  We would all fall into the conversation about art, politics, and everything in between and beyond. His bright eyes, broad smile and relentless curiosity pulling us all in. 

We will miss him dearly, and we will strive to continue to live up to the legacies he has left us all.

See more tribute to Jim:

From CFAT: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DBik3enkt/

From AFCOOP: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15cnqHe15K/

From NSCAD: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/174URUFqVW/

See his VANS Artist Profile: https://visualarts.ns.ca/october-2012-featured-artists-james-macswain/

Andrew Paterson’s review of Jim MacSwain at Toronto Images Festival, Unravelling the Prankster, in the Fall 2011 issue of Visual Arts News.