Art
Art exhibition digs women out of archives at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre
On a pizza slice-shaped corner in the North Point Douglas neighbourhood of Winnipeg is the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre (MICEC).
Danielle Mason, from Peguis First Nation, about 180 km north of Winnipeg, is one of the newer additions to the centre’s expanding team.
Mason joined two years ago as a summer student and then moved into her current role of collections assistant and head curator of the “Where are all the Women? Celebrating Indigenous Art” exhibition.
“I always found myself asking that question because I didn’t see myself as an artist represented in a lot of sort of institutional spaces,” says Mason, who works with textiles and wearable pieces.
The exhibition, which runs until mid-September, is the second of 10 hosted by MICEC as part of a series featuring work from the thousands of informational resources in the centre’s collection, including over 15,000 books, artifacts, digital media and fine art in all mediums.
Mason said she thinks she would’ve been more motivated to create herself if she was aware of the Indigenous women contributing to the exhibition, and hopes it sparks inspiration in others.
“I wasn’t seeing Indigenous women represented really until much, much later on, when I was really, really digging for it.”
Mason says the collection at MICEC was started by Cree scholar Verna J. Kirkness, who was a leader in Indigenous language, culture and education and had a couple of books in her office that she wanted to share.
“I wanted to be able to do their work justice.” Mason says of the artists she chose to feature. “I wanted to emphasize the artists just as much as the art.”
Wants to see women portrayed in a good way
Growing up, visual artist Jackie Traverse, whose work is featured in the exhibition at MICEC, also felt the lack of female representation in cultural institutions.
“I thought being an artist was something only men did,” she told CBC Indigenous.
Traverse, who’s from Lake St. Martin First Nation, which is 225 km north west of Winnipeg, says she started drawing when she was four years old but didn’t become a full-time artist until 2009, after she graduated from the University of Manitoba.
She says she felt a lot of people would dismiss her because she’s a woman saying she’s an artist.
“It’s taken me 10 years to actually not have to struggle,” she said.
But through the highs and the lows, she says it was her three daughters and granddaughter that she did it for, because she wanted them to have a better life.
Traverse, whose work is featured around WInnipeg, often draws women and says her daughters and granddaughter are in her mind when she’s making them. She says she wants to see all Indigenous women portrayed “in a good way.”
‘Making sure the truth gets out there’
Erica Daniels, a filmmaker, CEO and executive producer of Kejic Productions, was commissioned to create a film about Indigenous women artists as part of “Where are all the Women? Celebrating Indigenous Art.”
She interviewed four artists and created a video that will be put into MICEC’s extensive archives.
“It’s so important that we as Indigenous people are telling our own stories because no one could tell them like you can and making sure that truth gets out there,” she told CBC Indigenous.
Daniels, who’s from Peguis First Nation, says that seeing female Indigenous representation in a wide variety of roles helps with strength and pride in culture and identity.
In the past, she says many women felt shame because of the stereotypes that were prevalent in the media.
Just like Traverse and Mason, Daniels has fought the battle of not only being Indigenous, but also being a woman in a male-dominated world.
“A lot of us had to do and continue to have to do, but it never holds us back,” she said of her challenges.
“It kind of just fuels us to keep going and work harder.”
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
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