Wrapped in Culture

Indigenous artists from Canada and Australia wrap themselves in buffalo and possum robes.

by

Back in 2016, Winnipeg-born Métis artist Rosalie Favell went to Melbourne for a six-week artist residency. 

Favell, who is based in Ottawa, made connections with Indigenous artists in Australia and photographed some for her ongoing portrait project of Indigenous artists in various countries. Friendships were formed and, when she returned home, Favell hatched a plan for a new project with artists from both countries. 

Her project received $120,000 from the New Chapters program of the Canada Council for the Arts and, with help from the Carleton University Art Gallery and the City of Ottawa, six artists from Australia and four from Canada met in Ottawa for three weeks in 2017. 

Together they crafted a touring exhibition, Wrapped in Culture, which reflects Indigenous cultures from both countries. It opened at the Ottawa Art Gallery last summer and then hit the road, with its newest stop from Jan. 8 to April 12 at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Galleries on the outskirts of Saskatoon.

At the heart of the project are an Australian possum skin cloak and a Blackfoot buffalo robe. Both coverings were used historically in their respective cultures for sacred and practical purposes. 

Possum fur and buffalo hair remain on one side of the coverings. The other is decorated with Indigenous motifs that reflect the skills, interests and personalities of the artists and their cultures.

“Everyone worked well together,” says Favell. “We didn’t have any diva moments.”

Adrian Stimson, Siksika (Blackfoot) from Alberta, uses the name Buffalo Boy in his performance art, so he contributed tiny drawings of buffalo. 

Ottawa-based Barry Ace, Anisanaabe (Odawa), is known for his beadwork, so he gave the others a crash course and everyone created a beaded medallion to attach to the robes.

Another Ottawa-based Cree artist, Meryl McMaster, is known for photographic self-portraits that explore her Indigenous roots in the Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan. She created a drawing of a spiral inside a face, referencing her continuous self-discovery.

Australian artist Molly Mahoney (Boon Wurrung, Barkindji) has always lived near the ocean and drew a stylized version of crashing waves. Wade Mahoney (Barkindji) decorated the skins with crows, a symbol of the enduring spirits of people who have died but watch over younger generations.

The motifs from the two countries live in harmony on the backs of the coverings. Many commonalities, such as close relationships to both the natural and spiritual worlds, are evident.

At the Ottawa Art Gallery, the two coverings were suspended from the ceiling in the middle of a room so visitors could view both sides. The walls were filled with almost life-sized photographs of the 10 artists, each fully enrobed with only their faces visible. The 10 portraits are like 10 guardians. The effect was dramatic.

Favell normally works alone, so it was a new experience to collaborate with other artists. Somewhat to her surprise, she discovered: “I played well with others.” ■

Wrapped in Culture is on view at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Galleries in Saskatoon from Jan. 8 to April 12, 2019.

PS: Worried you missed something? See previous Galleries West stories here or sign up for our free biweekly newsletter.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Galleries

RR #4 Penner Rd, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 3J7

306-931-6767 or 1-877-547-6546

Visit Website

Mon to Fri 9 am to 4:30 pm, Sat 11 am - 4 pm.