Alberta's varied and striking landscape has been a significant source of imagery and inspiration for local, national and international artists. As the first collecting institution in the Province of Alberta, the University of Alberta has a long history of providing a home for many of these works. Donations from individuals and groups, works by Master of Fine Arts students and selected purchases have added to this growing aspect of the University of Alberta Art and Artifact Collection. From traditional to contemporary, these works celebrate the history and development of landscape as a subject for art in Alberta.

Encompassing over 660,000 square kilometres, Alberta is a vast and diverse area of plains, forests, rocky peaks, lakes and rivers. Looking West - Alberta Landscapes, Past and Present is a panorama of works representing the mountains, the heartland and the north and south of this unique province.