Art

West Vancouver student wins B.C. Indigenous art contest

Published

1 year ago

July 1, 2023

A West Vancouver student has taken home a prize for an annual Indigenous focused artwork contest, for a piece inspired by missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW).

Entitled ‘A forlorn Haida mother remembers her daughter’, the artwork, which won the annual FORED BC Society contest, represents the anguish and devastation felt by mothers of the countless missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, said its artist, 15-year-old Rockridge Secondary School student Keenawaii Schubert-Johnson.

“It’s definitely a sad painting … it’s supposed to be something that brings up emotion,” she said.

“Indigenous people are always coming up missing, and it’s an issue that gets really overlooked. I feel like people come up missing and then they’re never found and no one really talks about it, unless you’re related to them or in the same clan, or you’re an Indigenous person yourself.”

The colourful piece depicts a short haired woman bearing a sorrowful expression. The woman’s Indigenous heritage is expressed through her face markings and the traditional Haida hat, a piece of regalia crafted from inner cedar bark that is predominantly made by women.

Schubert-Johnson, a member of the Haida Nation herself, said the idea just “came to her”, and that she never expected to win, she simply felt it was important to “be an advocate” for the issue, while simultaneously raising awareness of Indigenous culture and traditions.

The contest, launched in 2010, sees winners selected on the basis of their work addressing the theme of Indigenous traditional knowledge and medicine and the student’s artistic merit, said Victor Godin, educational director at FORED BC.

Godin said the contest was brought about as part of a larger initiative to “celebrate and preserve Indigenous traditional knowledge,” and to help build more relationships between Indigenous youth and elders, foster a stay-in-school ethic, and ultimately increase Indigenous school completion rates.

“Parents, teachers and Indigenous leaders have told us how much they appreciate this annual event that builds valuable, generational connections with elders who pass down the learning,” he said.

Schubert-Johnson, who joined other student winners from Penticton, Nelson and Kelowna, said she hopes the win will be the first milestone achieved in a long and fruitful creative career.

The teenager, who followed in her mother’s artistic footsteps when she first started painting around the age of five, hopes for a future working in fashion design.

For the time being, however, Schubert-Johnson is focusing on the present: namely, how she is going to spend her $150 winnings.

“My parents’ birthdays are coming up, so this might be going towards a present for them,” she said.

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Art

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

Published

4 days 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.

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Art

Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

Published

7 days ago

August 15, 2024

Harry Miller

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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Art

Ehiko: The Multidisciplinary Artist Shaping Decolonization Through Art

Published

1 month ago

July 22, 2024

Jones Ulebor

Ehiko, a multidisciplinary artist born in Lagos, Nigeria, now calls Toronto, Ontario, her home. An OCAD University graduate, she has gained recognition for her powerful and evocative works that delve into the complexities of decolonization, health and wellness, spirituality, sexual violence, and the representation of melanated hair.

Ehiko’s artistic journey began in the vibrant city of Lagos, where the rich cultural heritage and traditional artistry influenced her deeply. This foundation blossomed in Toronto, where she continued to experiment and manipulate raw canvas due to its flexibility. Her expressive palette and the use of various textiles pay homage to traditional Nigerian craftsmanship, creating a unique blend of contemporary and ancestral art forms.

Her works are not just visually striking but also laden with profound messages. Ehiko’s exploration of decolonization is evident in her large-scale multi-medium paintings, performances, drawings, and installations. Each piece she creates is a testament to her commitment to unravelling spirituality linked to traditional Afrakan masks, presenting a dialogue between the past and present.

One of the central themes in Ehiko’s work is health and wellness, particularly within the context of the Black community. She addresses the often-overlooked aspects of mental health and the importance of wellness practices rooted in African traditions. Through her art, Ehiko encourages a reconnection with these practices, promoting healing and resilience.

Sexual violence is another critical subject Ehiko tackles with sensitivity and boldness. Her works often depict the pain and trauma associated with such experiences while also highlighting the strength and resilience of survivors. By bringing these issues to the forefront, she fosters conversations that are essential for societal change and healing.

The representation of melanated hair in Ehiko’s art is a celebration of Black identity and beauty. Her pieces challenge societal norms and stereotypes, presenting Black hair in its diverse and natural forms. This representation is not only about aesthetics but also about reclaiming cultural identity and pride.

Ehiko’s exhibitions in Lagos and Toronto have garnered significant attention, and her private collection of purchased work is available upon request. Her contributions to the art world extend beyond her creations; she is also an advocate for using art as a tool for social change and empowerment.

In every piece, Ehiko weaves her experiences, heritage, and vision, creating a tapestry that speaks to the heart and mind. Her work is a powerful reminder of the role of art in decolonization and healing, and her journey continues to inspire and influence the global art community.