Friday, April 7, 2023

The Expression Of Indigenous People

The permanent galleries at the National Gallery are divided into two floors: Canadian art on the main floor, world art above. A few years ago the Canadian galleries were reorganized to include the art of indigenous people displayed alongside European-influenced art. The first thing you see when you walk in is this display.


The drum catches the eye.


As does this petroglyph.


This petroglyph is thought to have been done a thousand years ago by an Assiniboine artist.


While this is far more recent, but definitely influenced by cultural history. Luke Parnell created A Brief History Of Northwest Design in 2007.


Three works exhibited together caught my eye. Ruth Cuthand did a beadwork series on the diseases that ravaged indigenous peoples, and the result is colourful reproductions of what appears to be what you'd see under the microscope, done in beads. Smallpox, Spanish Flu, and Pneumonia make an impression.


Stepping out of this first gallery space brings us into one of two interior courtyards- this one having a garden inside.

40 comments:

  1. Nice with the rock art. We have a lot of that in Sweden.

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  2. Good to see indigenous arts preserved.

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  3. How can such nasty ones look so pretty... nature sure has humor.

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  4. ...the courtyard is a welcomed sight!

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  5. A beautiful exhibit and courtyard. Happy Easter, have a great weekend.

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  6. Esas obras de arte, son la buena expresión de su singular cultura.

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  7. Cool drum, which was set in a good spot. Have as good a weekend as possible under the circumstances.

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  8. The petroglyph makes one wonder about the artist and the time.

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  9. Lovely drum, and petroglyph of turtle. Liked seeing you reflected with the various diseases...not a choice probably.

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  10. Wonderful to see the indigenous art honored ~ lovely court yard photos also ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  11. I love the royal blue tones they used in that gallery.

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  12. The indigenous art is beautiful. What a wonderful exhibit.

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  13. What a great museum! I would love to visit someday and rest in the courtyard

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  14. The drum is amazing. And the courtyard garden is a beautiful place for a moment of reflection.

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  15. I like how nature and art both inhabit the place

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