The Powwow: An Art History
Exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, October 24, 2002 — The Powwow: An Art History will open at the Canadian Museum of Civilization on October 25, 2002. This vibrant exhibition from the MacKenzie Art Gallery of Regina, Saskatchewan presents a number of works illustrating the changing face of the powwow from the late nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century.
The Powwow: An Art History contributes to a comprehensive history of the subject and confirms the continuing vitality of both the powwow itself and Native art. The exhibition also shows the constantly evolving tradition of the powwow, community celebrations and Aboriginal gatherings up to the present day.
"We are pleased to present an exhibition developed by an important Saskatchewan art gallery, in keeping with our Museum’s national role," says Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "The exhibition is a visual display on the history and continuing vitality of the powwow. Its content is both social and esthetic and is highly appealing."
To illustrate this fascinating artistic history, 74 works by 42 artists were assembled from public and private collections in various regions of Canada and the United States, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which lent five works from its important collection.
The objectives, motivation and styles of these artists vary widely and, like the constantly evolving tradition of the powwow, they document, describe and express what they feel it is important to preserve, remember and perpetuate.
The word "powwow" originally meant any communal gathering, whether spiritual, political, social or rural. In time, this meaning became limited to the realm of music and dance, and the powwow would become a rallying force for Aboriginal cultural survival in the twentieth century.
The Powwow: An Art History is organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Saskatchewan Arts Board and the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Museums Assistance Program. It is presented in Special Exhibitions Gallery B, Level 1, of the Canadian Museum of Civilization from October 25, 2002 to August 17, 2003.
FACT SHEETS
Media Information:
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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