Aboriginal artwork highlights St. Albert gallery

A one month exhibit of Aboriginal artwork will highlight the Profiles Public Art Gallery in St. Albert this month.
The exhibit, entitled “Shifting Patterns,” is curated by Aaron Paquette. Paquette, whose father is of Cree and Cayuse descent and whose mother is Scandinavian, was approached by former gallery director of arts Heidi Alther after she heard about his work through Senator Theresa Chalifoux.

“We thought Paquette would be a good match because of his curatorial experience and his connections in the community and was impressed by the work that he had done,” said Janine Karasick-Acosta, gallery curator.

The title of the exhibit, said Paquette, indicates “patterns are shifting, changing and becoming something that will be exciting, vibrant and strong.”

On exhibit is work by Alex Janvier, George Littlechild, Dianne Meili, Heather Shillinglaw, Paul Smith, and Bert Crowfoot.

“I chose the artists based on the needs of the show. The title is “Shifting Patterns” and I wanted to show the shift in thinking and perspectives of First Nations people in Alberta over the past 50 years in contemporary culture,” said Paquette.

Janvier, a co-founder of the Indian Group of Seven, “revolutionized thinking towards First Nations people and their art,” said Paquette. “First Nations art was seen as artifact, something from the past and a dying culture. After him, First Nations art is seen as a vibrant part of a living, thriving, and growing culture.”

The work down by painter Littlechild is “more of a personal examination of the past and how that applies to the present,” said Paquette.

Dianne Mielli is a sculptor, potter and writer. Said Paquette, “Dianne brings a spirituality to her pottery and sculpture informed by her deep love of her people and of her place in this land.”

Shillinglaw’s floral mixed media paintings “speak without speaking, instead inviting the viewer to create their own meaning out of the beautiful images before them,” said Paquette.

Paquette describes Smith’s work as “urban contemporary. He reflects the experience of living in the city, the noise and confusion, but also the centre of peace he maintains by reaching out to his own culture, and how he finds ways to make it all work together.”

Crowfoot’s art is his photography, which Paquette said shows “the vibrancy of the culture, the quiet reflection of our relationship with the timeless land on which we live, and the hope for our children we all share.”

Choosing the pieces to be displayed was a collaborative effort between Paquette and the artists.

“Contemporary Aboriginal art is important to exhibit at the gallery because of its importance and connection within our community,” said Karasick-Acosta.

“It’s important because it’s an honest reflection of Canadian population and culture,” said Paquette of exhibiting Aboriginal art. “It is saying, ‘We are here. We are you. You are us and we have built this time and place with our choices. There is beauty here because we are together.’”

“Shifting Patterns” will show until July 3.