Beyond Recognition: Aboriginal Abstraction

Beyond Recognition: Aboriginal Abstractions adds another chapter to the story of Indigenous art in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. The art showcased was created by 11 artists past and present; from across the country and spanning decades. Bob Boyer, Benjamin Chee Chee, Robert Houle, Alex Janvier, Katia KaK’wa Kurtness, Ann McLean, Kimowan Metchewais,…

Bob Boyer, Benjamin Chee Chee, Robert Houle, Alex Janvier, Katia KaK’wa Kurtness, Ann McLean, Kimowan Metchewais, Susan Point, Rick Rivet, Helen Wassegijig, Linus Woods

Curated By: Michelle McGeough

The intent of this exhibition is to add to the dialogue regarding the need for a new Art History, one that “replaces the notion of a universal ‘history of art’,” with one that recognizes the existence of a “number of discrete but overlapping ‘histories of art’.” Although these artists’ practice is seen as being informed by abstract expressionism, the narrative role this genre takes on in the hands of Aboriginal artists transforms it into a truly North American Aboriginal art form that pays homage to its Indigenous roots. (excerpt, Michelle McGeogh)

Beyond Recognition: Aboriginal Abstractions is an exhibition that adds another chapter to the story of Indigenous art in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. The art showcased was created by 11 artists past and present; from across the country and spanning decades. Bob Boyer, Benjamin Chee Chee, Robert Houle, Alex Janvier, Katia KaK’wa Kurtness, Ann McLean, Kimowan Metchewais, Susan Point, Rick Rivet, Helen Wassegijig and Linus Woods are renowned, celebrated artists using the canvas to open dialogue and contribute to the evolving idea of Aboriginal Art in North America.

The exhibition is on loan from the Indigenous Art Centre and the Collection of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and is curated by Michelle McGeough. McGeough is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, and is an Indigenous art historian, artist and curator who focuses on Indigenous cultural production and research methods.