Edmonton, AB – The Art Gallery of Alberta will be the only stop outside of Lethbridge for the widely acclaimed exhibition DRAWN FROM THE PAST: The Portraits and Practice of Nicholas de Grandmaison. This exhibition features over 40 original works of art, that are complemented by the first public presentation of documents, photographs, sound recordings and artifacts from the artist’s personal collection. On view from May 24 to August 10, 2008, DRAWN FROM THE PAST provides fascinating insights into one of western Canada’s most important historical artists and offers a rare and unique look into the lives of the people who created the face of the Canadian west in the mid-20th century. The exhibition is guest-curated by Gordon Snyder, and organized and circulated by the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery.
After immigrating to Canada from Russia in 1923, Nicholas de Grandmaison applied his prodigious skills as a draughtsman to a lifelong project, recording the faces and culture of the prairies. “Aside from producing a remarkable body of very sympathetic and expertly rendered portraits,” says Marcus Miller, Assistant Curator at the Art Gallery of Alberta, “his work has become an invaluable archive that testifies as much to the quiet dignity and tenacity of his subjects as to the social and material forces shaping the course of historical relations.”
In the time when De Grandmaison was working, it was widely believed that Aboriginal populations and their cultural traditions would not survive the next 50 years. Many artists and photographers, such as Edward Curtis, Paul Kane and Frederick Verner, believed that it was the responsibility of the artist to document their unique cultures. DRAWN FROM THE PAST exemplifies this larger social preoccupation, which is reflected in both de Grandmaison’s works and his audio recordings of the languages and stories of Aboriginal peoples.
De Grandmaison’s skill as a portrait painter earned him national recognition and allowed him to form life-long relationships with Aboriginal peoples across southern Alberta. De Grandmaison was eventually made an honorary member of the Peigan (Piikani) Nation, and given the name Chief Little Plume. Upon his death in 1978, de Grandmaison was buried on the Brocket Indian Reserve, his grave marked with a simple cross inscribed with this honorary title.
DRAWN FROM THE PAST: The Portraits and Practice of Nicholas de Grandmaison is sponsored by Qualico Developments and Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning Ltd., creators of Edmonton’s bid for the National Portrait Gallery.---30---
Opening Reception and Book Launch 1-4 pm
Curator’s Tour 2 pm
HSBC All Day Saturday 1-4 pm
Drop-In Art Workshops for all ages with local artist Davey Thompson
Media Contact:
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Art Gallery of Alberta
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