Article content
Vibrant images of Indigenous history and the future of reconciliation unfolded 30 feet down pillars in the city hall atrium Thursday.
Art
New city hall art puts Indigenous past and future of Calgary on display – Calgary Herald
‘I want everybody to look at these and be proud, to be proud of where they are. We’re on Blackfoot territory’
Advertisement
Article content
Local muralist Kalum Teke Dan created the three images — together titled Past, Present, Future — to illustrate the history of the land that’s now called Calgary, and show how Indigenous ways and traditions are still alive.
Dan, a Blackfoot artist with roots in the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta, looked on as crews put the banners on display Thursday morning. His mother worked for the city for 30 years, he said, and now his art will be displayed just outside council chambers, a place he’s known well since he was a child.
“I want everybody to look at these and be proud, to be proud of where they are. We’re on Blackfoot territory,” he said. “We’re trying to show what we’re about. We are very proud people.”
The banners were commissioned as part of the city’s Indigenous place-keeping program. Dan’s art will be up for two years, and work from other Indigenous artists living in Calgary and the surrounding area will rotate through the municipal atrium in the future.
Advertisement
Article content
City of Calgary Indigenous public art curator Jessica McMann said it’s important for people who live in Calgary to be exposed to Indigenous art, especially in an important venue such as city hall.
“This is a place of governance, and also many newcomers come into this building as well,” she said.
“It’s really important that everyone witnesses Indigenous artwork within this place. As well, it’s a step in reconciliation for everybody — people who work in the building but also all Calgarians who come visit this space.”
Dan’s project was in the works for a few years, from planning and organizing the concept to about three months of “solid painting” on a huge custom easel he worked on in his home studio. After the original acrylic on canvas paintings were done, the images were printed on the banners that are now on public display.
Advertisement
Article content
“Basically, through reconciliation I was just trying to show images of our past, our present and what is to come for our future,” he said.
The banner that represents the past shows how Indigenous people used to live along the rivers that run through Calgary, and the image of the present shows the Calgary Tower but also tells a story about how the city sits on Blackfoot land, Dan said.
“I chose the youth in the future because they are going to be our next leaders.”
Eagles also weave throughout the work, which Dan said represents strength.
“In these images, I have a lot of the eagle in there because the eagle is the guardian, the guide. It’s such a prominent image in our culture.”
masmith@postmedia.com
Twitter: @meksmith
Continue Reading
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
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.
News2 hours ago
RCMP investigating after three found dead in Lloydminster, Sask.
News2 hours ago
Three injured in Kingston, Ont., assault, police negotiating suspect’s surrender
News2 hours ago
Government intervention in Air Canada talks a threat to competition: Transat CEO
Media1 year ago
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
Investment5 years ago
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
Sports4 years ago
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
-
News19 hours agoSingh claps back at Poilievre ahead of House return
-
News24 hours agoArrest made in death of man whose body was found four years ago: police
-
News18 hours agoThe ancient jar smashed by a 4-year-old is back on display at an Israeli museum after repair
-
News18 hours agoTaxi driver suspected in fatal B.C. hit-and-run has left Canada: RCMP
-
News18 hours agoMore than 67 million people watched Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate. That’s way up from June
-
News7 hours agoReggie Bush was at his LA-area home when 3 male suspects attempted to break in
-
News19 hours agoMounties say there’s no evidence Lytton, B.C., wildfire was arson; cause unknown
-
News18 hours agoAlberta Premier Smith says she wants Calgary Green Line to proceed as first pitched
