Art
Lil'wat artist's painting now part of Audain Art Museum collection – Pique Newsmagazine
Last week, Levi Nelson became the first Lil’wat Nation artist to have a piece in the Audain Art Museum’s permanent collection.
His oil painting, Nations in an Urban Landscape, is only the second contemporary acquisition to be made under the auspices of Curtis Collins, executive director and chief curator of the museum.
“I feel extremely privileged,” Nelson says. “When you look at the collection, all the different Northwest Coast nations that live here at the museum, now they have a piece from the Lil’wat Nation. It’s fitting.”
Last year, Nelson contacted Collins to say he had two paintings he thought might be a good fit for the museum. While that didn’t pan out, Collins was impressed with the work and encouraged him to apply for the museum’s emerging artist program.
“Then we just talked about anything else the museum could do for [him], like to start coming in and drawing,” Collins says. “So Levi came in a few Tuesdays when we’re closed just to sit in the first space [the Chrystal Gallery] and draw. We just set that up informally.”
Nelson, who’s currently in his final year of school at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, chose that gallery because it’s filled with Indigenous masks from as far back as the 1800s.
“It felt like a real privilege to have the space to myself, but also to sit amongst these ancient artifacts that belonged to and were carved by artists 100 years, 200 years ago,” Nelson says.
Ultimately, he ended up incorporating masks from that room into Nations in an Urban Landscape. The painting depicts a crowded Downtown Eastside street with three masks from the collection, as well as a bentwood box, a basket from the Lil’wat Nation that’s in the Museum of Anthropology, and another basket based on one made by his grandma, a master basket weaver for the Lil’wat Nation, all tucked into the scene.
“I came up with this idea of wanting to give identity to First Nations people who are marginalized in the Downtown Eastside, just to showcase that Indigenous people who are down in that area come from really strong cultural backgrounds still,” he says.
When Collins saw the piece at the launch for Nelson’s solo show, After the Blast, which took place at the Maury Young Arts Centre last December, he was immediately drawn to it.
“From my perspective as a director, this work makes sense,” Collins says. “The fact that it’s got this relationship to this historic work also gives a greater relevance to our collection.”
After approval from the acquisition board, and funds donated by the Bruno family, they purchased the painting.
“We have our acquisitions committee meeting four times a year and some things are approved and other things get declined,” Collins says. “It’s not automatic. I was a little bit nervous because this was such a bold move with a young artist, but I thought it was a worthwhile effort.”
The painting is currently in the museum’s vault with plans to have it on public display (although the museum is currently closed due to COVID-19).
“I get to take my place among these artists I’ve admired since discovering them in art school,” Nelson says. “It’s super cool. It’s dreams coming true.”
To see more of Nelson’s work, visit instagram.com/levi.nelson.artiste.
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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.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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