NEW EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS ENDURING ARTISTIC TRADITION OF THE MI'GMAQ
Hull, Quebec, May 28, 1998 — The extraordinary artistic production of the Mi'gmaq peoples is the focus of three complementary exhibitions opening in the First Peoples Hall of the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) on May 29, 1998. Marks of the Mi'gmaq Nation, Images of the Mi'Kmaq and Epogan illuminate the superb artistry and rich culture of the Mi'gmaq through artifacts, photographs and artworks dating from the turn of the century to today.
Marks of the Mi'gmaq Nation is a travelling exhibition from the McCord Museum of Canadian History, in collaboration with the Listuguj Arts and Culture Centre and with the financial support of the Museum Assistance Program, Heritage Canada. The exhibition showcases exquisite beadwork, quillwork, magnificently embellished costumes and archival photographs from the collections of the McCord Museum. Augmenting the McCord exhibition is a selection of exceptional Mi'gmaq artifacts from the CMC's own collections. Included are marvellous wooden flowers — a contemporary artistic form that Mi'gmaq women have evolved from the ancient tradition of splint-wood basket making.
Every artifact is a unique testament to the enduring vitality of Mi'gmaq artistry, characterized by an innovative blending of new cultural influences and traditional styles and techniques. Working with dyed porcupine quills on bark, Mi'gmaq women transformed everyday items like tea cosies, fire screens and chair backs into stunning art objects. Striking geometric designs cover entire surfaces, creating a dramatic dynamic of space and colour.
Images of the Mi'Kmaq is a series of life-size black and white photographs by documentary photographer Nancy Ackerman. She spent several weeks on the Millbrook, Indian Brook and Bear River reserves, photographing elders, children, quillworkers, basketmakers and artists to document contemporary Mi'gmaq life and explore the realities of artists and their communities.
Epogan is an exhibition of recent work by Mi'gmaq artist Peter J. Clair, who draws on traditional basket weaving techniques to create his awe-inspiring wood-woven sculptures. Clair, who learned his skills from his mother, carries out dazzling experiments with form, weaving into his works the textures and patterns of his own life experience.
"The Museum is honoured to host this travelling exhibition from the McCord Museum," stated Dr. George MacDonald, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "The addition of Nancy Ackerman's photographic portraits of contemporary Mi'gmaq artists and artisans and of Peter Clair's striking basket-weave sculptures provide eloquent evidence of the enduring powers of Mi'gmaq artistry."
Marks of the Mi'gmaq Nation, Images of the Mi'Kmaq and Epogan will be on display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization until November 1, 1998.
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