Indigenous Arts have played a significant role in the lives of people as it is beautiful and hold an utmost importance in preserving the art, culture and diversity. The indigenous arts come in different forms like painting, sculptures, music and culture. These represent the diversified heritage and culture of different groups existing around the world.
The indigenous arts entered Canada during the last Ice Age time and however, the records date back 80,000 years ago. These arts include the painting on leaves, wood carving, stone carving, sand painting, and moreover, the modern indigenous art forms have added their way of depicting the mainstream pop culture.
Correspondently, it has been the way of the indigenous community to honor their ancestors, spirituality, heritage and culture. Here are the five indigenous artists that created an impact all around the globe over the years.
- NORVAL MORRISEAU (March 1932 – December 2007):
Norval Morrisseau is considered the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada. He was a Member of the Indian Group of Seven and Creator of Woodlands School Artistic Genre. His art left an explicit impact on the people as he used bright colors to depict his stories.
In 1962, Morriseau touched skies where he held an exhibition at Pollock Gallery in Toronto. He was the first contemporary indigenous artist who showcased his culture Anishnaabe and Ojibway through paintings, political messages and spirituality. Till now, his arts have been displayed around the world and in the National Gallery of Canada.
- BILL REID (January 1920 – March 1991):
Bill Reid is an internationally recognised Haida Artist. He studied art in Toronto and London, England, and he created large sculptures of his culture. Additionally, he was outspoken to preserve the rights of the indigenous community in Canada. Some of his classic and renowned pieces include, Four – Tonne Raven and the First Humans which was done for the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology, a whale called The Chief of the Undersea World for the Vancouver Museum, and The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, that are now present at the Canadian Embassy in Washington. In 1977, Bill Reid was awarded with the Molson Prize and in 1994, he was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- DAPHNE ODJIG (September 1919 – October 2016):
Daphne Odjig grew up in a family of carvers, her father and grandfather were stone carvers, and hence she nurtured her talent for drawing and painting at the age of 13. She studied art in Ottawa and Sweden along with which she spent most of her time at the Art Gallery of Ontario. She inspired the art with bold and colorful representation. In 1964, she attended the 4th annual Wiikwemkoong Pow Wow, where she built her connection with the Indigenous identity and therefore, she started representing most indigenous themes and gave visual representation to the old tales of Nanabush. Through her artwork and advocacy, Odjig is responsible for bringing Indigenous voices to the forefront in the Canadian art sector. (Source: Unite for Change )
- KENOJUAK ASHEVAK (October 1927 – January 2013):
Kenojuak Ashevak was known for her beautiful portrait of birds and animals using bold and vibrant colors. Her artistic works made people stay connected with the nature. In the 1950s, her works came into the limelight and created a strong interest in the North and in indigenous art. Moreover, she was the sculptor and designer of blankets along with stained glass window. She created a large and vibrant mural that was displayed at the 1970 World’s Fair in Japan. Her Enchanted Owl (1960) was used on a stamp to celebrate the Northwest Territories’ centennial. Ashevak’s later work became more stylized and challenging, such as the dog-man-dragon represented in the widely respected Dog Mother Shaman Transformation. (Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia )
- KENT MONKMAN (13 November 1965):
Kent Monkman is said to be the most skilled and successful artists of his generation. His works include traditional painting techniques, and with performance, and film and installation methods. Through his arts, he addresses the issues existing for gays and indigenous history. Other than that, he explores the aspects of indigenous history and homosexuality. He was greatly influenced by American journalist and Painter, George Caitlin. He has received many awards and honours, including an Indspire Award, an Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and an honorary doctorate from OCAD University. (Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia )
The indigenous arts hold a very great importance all around the world. It can be depicted through bead work, music, dance, sculptures, languages and many other ways. We should be grateful to these indigenous community who introduced us within the life full of vibrant colors, bold visuals, appealing sculptures that talk about the spirituality of the indigenous community.
Navneet Kaur | Contributing Writer
