Art

‘We are all related’: Spiritual elder Philip Cote uses art to tell Indigenous stories – CityNews Toronto

Published

4 years ago

June 15, 2020

June is National Indigenous History Month. It is a time for all Canadians — Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers — to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. Throughout the month of June, CityNews will profile Indigenous people, and share their stories and voices, so that we can celebrate the difference they have made in their communities and to our country.

June 15: Today, we celebrate Philip Cote

Philip Cote is a Young Spiritual Elder, Indigenous artist, activist, educator, historian and traditional wisdom keeper. He is a member of Moose Deer Point First Nation: Shawnee, Lakota, Potawatomi, and Ojibway. Cote received his Indigenous name Noodjmowin (The Healer) in 1979 from Joe Couture, an Indigenous pioneer in his own right.

Cote explains that as a Young Spiritual Elder he has “a deep understanding of our Indigenous cosmology and ceremonial protocols. I bring understanding to those who seek spiritual advice and I am gifted to see and connect people to their Indian names and colours.”

As an Indigenous painter and muralist, the purpose of Cote’s research is to unearth, and reveal, his cultural experience and knowledge of signs of Indigenous symbols, language and interpretation. He believes it is important to share his knowledge both orally and through his art.

“I felt proud about being ‘Indian’ for the first time.”

“Something my father showed me one Sunday afternoon that changed me. He was reading the paper and there was an article about Norval Morrisseau, the painter, and I asked my father who he was. He said he was one of us and I knew he meant — an Indian — and I felt proud about being ‘Indian’ for the first time. It was this moment that drives my work, giving me a sense of pride and unity. This seed was planted in my psyche. At that time in my life it was all I had and I knew later on telling Indigenous stories was a part of painting. I started to look into our Indigenous culture for stories transforming my art into a long forgotten lexicon of storytelling.”

Cote utilizes multiple platforms to educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

When asked about what he hopes people will learn about Indigenous people, he said: “My main thoughts are that the Indigenous stereotypes that most people rely on is wiped away, and in its place our Indigenous narrative about our culture, cosmology, history, language and technology that prevail — as this is the only way for indigenous people to have equity in this country.”

“Our portrait has been painted by colonization — the likeness of a beggar, uneducated and without civilized belief systems, with a bounty on our heads to show our worth. This changed when in the 1960s famed Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau brought our culture, cosmology and history into the 20th century and began an art movement that inspires identity and an indigenous narrative that breaks open the colonial iceberg. My work continues this idea of the living Indigenous narrative in art through an Indigenous lens.”

Cote has painted many murals that can be seen across Ontario, many of them in the City of Toronto. Cote has won awards from the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas for his street murals.

“Nindinawemaaganidok — which means ‘all my relations,’ which means we are all related.”

He said he is most proud of his recent mural called “The Original Family” at Dundas and Jarvis streets.

Philip Cote’s “The Original Family” mural at Dundas and Jarvis streets in a supplied photo.

“Looking up five stories and 120 feet across to see the first-man and first-women with the iconic animals of this territory and a Thunderbird showing the essence of our culture — a tease if you will, the beginning of our story of the Anishinaabe ‘From Wence Lowered The Male of The Species.’ This shows the beginning of our nation, history, culture, narrative and a continuation of the way in which our ancestors communicated across time.

“This work and all my public works continue a long history of rock art called pictographs. With these depictions our ancestors celebrated our local heroes and warned when danger was near, shared cosmology and spoke of great wars between the spirit world and the physical world and these images crisscrossed the land as my work crisscrosses Toronto telling our story of the original people reclaiming our voice on this land once again.”

Click here to learn more about Cote and to see examples of his work.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Source link

Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

4 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

Source link

Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Source link