Métis artist’s work acquired by the Canadian Council Art Bank

Amy Malbeuf’s The Mealy Mountains and Three Artists Fly North (2013) harness beadwork as a central means of exploring identity. For Malbeuf, the intention is to translate abstract expressionist techniques to bead work.
(Photo: Brandon Clarida)

Amy Malbeuf’s The Mealy Mountains and Three Artists Fly North (2013) are two of seven works of contemporary Indigneous art recently acquired by the Canadian Council Art Bank. This is the first major acquisition by the Art Bank in over two years, and features emerging and established Indigenous artists. Malbeuf is a Metis artist from Rich Lake, Alberta. Malbeuf’s work was also recently selected for Edmonton’s first Indigenous art park. She now resides in Kelowna. Also selected was Jordan Bennett’s Why Are Native Americans (2012). The Mi’kmaq artist served as the University of Alberta’s first Indigenous Artist in Residence in 2012. The pieces were selected following consultations with members of the artistic community led by the Art Bank staff. The works – and their addition to the Art Bank collection - speak to council’s commitment to Indigenous arts and (re)conciliation.