News Releases - 2004
Canada Council Art Bank to show works by Canadian Aboriginal artists in Washington
Ottawa, September 14, 2004 – Visitors to the Canadian Embassy in Washington will have an unprecedented opportunity to see works by some of Canada’s best-known Aboriginal artists, thanks to a partnership between the Embassy and the Canada Council Art Bank. The exhibition, Dezhan ejan, is taking place in conjunction with the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).
The exhibition will run from Sept. 23 to Nov. 27, 2004; it celebrates the wealth and diversity of Canadian Aboriginal art. Dezhan ejan – “medicine song” in the language of the Northern Tutchone people – assembles works of contemporary art by 18 Aboriginal artists of Canada that reflect the themes considered important by Aboriginal artists, such as nature, spirituality and politics. Renowned artists including Anishnaabe artist Norval Morrisseau, Inuit artist Isaaci Etidloie, as well as Connie Watts and Rande Cook from the Northwest Coast explore these themes using various techniques.
The exhibition, which features 18 paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs purchased by the Art Bank since its creation in 1972, has been assembled by Victoria Henry, Director of the Art Bank.
“This exhibition, created to coincide with the opening of the new National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, has been a joy to produce,” said Ms. Henry. “Working with the Embassy, with Dr. Ruth Philips (who wrote the exhibition promotional brochure), and with the artists whose works are being presented has been as much inspiration as organization. The works from across Canada, are so strong and pertinent, they will stand well beside the works to be showcased in the NMAI.”
Ms. Henry added that the selection of the 18 works for the exhibition was a difficult task, since the Art Bank’s collection includes many works by Aboriginal artists from across Canada. The exhibition offers a fine example of the exceptional quality of the art produced by Aboriginal artists for more than 30 years.
“The Canadian Embassy is delighted to host Dezhan ejan,” said his Excellency Michael Kergin, Ambassador of Canada to the United States. “Dezhan ejan is an expression of the unique and vibrant culture of Canadian Aboriginal artists. The ties between Aboriginal peoples in North America are long and rich in history, and continue to grow. It is our hope that the exhibition will serve to inform and expand this relationship, not only among Aboriginal communities, but for all Canadians and Americans.”
The art gallery of the Canadian Embassy in Washington is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. The media are invited to meet the artists on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Embassy.
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Visit our web sites: www.canadacouncil.ca and www.artbank.ca.
Tous les documents du Conseil des Arts sont offerts en français et en anglais
Media contact: Canada Council for the Arts
Carole Breton
(613) 566-4414 ext. 4523 or
1 800 263-5588 ext. 4523
carole.breton@canadacouncil.ca
Donna Balkan
(613) 566-4305 or
1 800 263-5588 ext. 4134
donna.balkan@canadacouncil.ca
Canadian Embassy in Washington
U.S. media:
Pam Lambo
(202) 682-7713
pam.lambo@international.gc.ca
Canadian media:
Erica Fensom
(202) 682-7716
erica.fensom@international.gc.ca