Alberta artists on cutting edge of progressive art debate

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Three prominent Alberta Native artists are receiving plaudits for the artistic concepts which they have perfected in their work.

Artistic ideas being used by artists Alex Janvier, Jane Ash Poitras and Joane Cardianal-Schubert are paralleling current artistic issues in international art circles, says the curator of

Canada's Museum of Civilization.

Gerald McMaster cited the three as artists whose approaches to Native imagery in their work are also ideas being discussed within the international art world.

"Janvier is one of the first abstract artists who is Native. His work hasn't influenced anybody to his style of painting because it's so unique," said McMaster.

"Two other artists, Poitras and Schubert, are extremely exciting. Their works deal with various ideas of modernism and take a very interesting approach to Native imagery," he said.

McMaster says the artists' use of ancient symbols with contemporary ones are ideas being incorporated in artwork outside of Canada.

He also said the use of collages using various contemporary and traditional materials and forms has had considerable impact on their peers.

"They are certainly successful in doing that. They're dealing with subject matter that has ancient roots, put in a very contemporary context."

"I would say they're the most looked at artists in Alberta today," he pronounced.

Elizabeth Kidd, chief curator of the Edmonton Art Gallery, says that a general debate in art circles about whether art caters only to the elite few in society has been paralleled by

similar concerns in art made by Native people, led by artists like Janvier, Poitras and Schubert.

"It's questioning art's role in society. Why should it be separate and why shouldn't it be part of everyday life?"

Kidd says now is a good time to talk about these kind of issues.

"I believe Native artists are also agreeing with the current philosophy in the art community. That art is not just something for a few separate people to make and appreciate. That art

should be a part of everyday life."

"I think that's what Native artists are also saying," she suggested.

"Art should mirror society. Art should be what we are doing, what we (as a society) care about."