Pursuing the New: A Modern Graphic Design History of New Brunswick

The influence of commercial art and graphic design created in New Brunswick has largely been overlooked and undocumented. However, the commercial artwork of both “traditional” artists and formally-trained graphic designers in the post-war era has had a profound influence on our collective identity and our local economy. Some exceptional design initiatives have remained intact and unchanged for generations—a testament to their functional and artistic value. Many have become so iconic to New Brunswick, their presence in the visual landscape is taken for granted. 

Pursuing the New is an exhibition and publication curated and written by Tanya Duffy which explores New Brunswick’s modern graphic design from the post-war years through to the last decade of the twentieth century. Capturing the legacy of our designers and the imprint they left on the province and its people. This unique-to-us story of triumphs, challenges, and impacts showcases our past achievements and periodic missteps through the lens of graphic design. 

Pursuing the New documents visual stories centered around New Brunswick businesses, iconic products, culture, sports, and government initiatives that used graphic design to its fullest form. From large rebranding projects with nationally renowned designers to local trailblazers, this project is a visual time capsule revealing this art form in all its vitality, immediacy, and personal nuance. 

The exhibition is taking place at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery from October 24th until April 12th, 2026.