[BCMA] Douglas Reynolds Gallery - First Nations Exhibit September 18

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

  Fifteen: transcending time through the works of First Nations artists


/*CATAPULTING viewers into the future while also immersing them in the 
past– the latest exhibition, ‘Fifteen,’ at the Douglas Reynold’s Gallery 
celebrates historical First Nation pieces while showcasing the works of 
modern North-West coast native artists. */

Preparations are already underway for ‘Fifteen’ with the intimate 
gallery at 2335 Granville St awash with colorful works of art.

Most of the artworks have never been shown to the public before and 
include varied art styles from different historical periods - from a 
1880's Chilkat Blanket made from mountain goat wool and cedar bark to a 
cast sterling silver and gold Raven Feast Dish by acclaimed Haida artist 
Jim Hart. The collection even features pieces by Haida artist Bill Reid, 
one of the most recognized First Nation artists in Canada.

Gallery owner, Douglas Reynolds, said the exhibit was designed to 
celebrate the galleries inception 15 years ago by bringing together 15 
artists from the inaugural exhibition along with 15 artists that he “met 
along the way”.

“This exhibition is significant for the gallery as it celebrates its 
history by mixing together the past, present and future while paying 
homage to the artists that have supported the gallery for the past 15 
years,” said Mr Reynolds.

The exhibit also features “up-and-comers” on the art scene, including 
Phil Gray, 27, David R Boxley, 29, Jay Simeon, 34, and Shawn Hunt, 34 – 
all artists who have risen to the top in the past few years.

“It is extremely unusual for such young artists to have already achieved 
this degree of success - it normally takes decades to earn recognition 
at this level – so we are really showcasing the ‘next big thing’,” he said.

It is this drive to recognize the past while also embracing the future 
that has made the Douglas Reynolds gallery a popular venue for First 
Nation artists and collectors alike.

“As the gallery grew, our focus narrowed to strictly Northwest Coast Art 
and with this there seemed to be a natural evolution into historic 
works. The selling of the historic work came more as a coincidence 
rather than planning. I initially tried to collect some historic baskets 
because I liked the look of them with the contemporary work. When people 
saw that I sold baskets I began to receive offers of historic boxes, 
poles, coppers, and blankets. The gallery became a space where old and 
new works contextualized each other beautifully and this is the niche we 
continue to fill today,” Mr Reynolds said.

/_*A shift in demand over time*_/

During his time on the art scene Reynolds has seen it undergo some 
radical changes. He lists one of the most significant transformations as 
the commercial and cultural value now being placed on First Nation 
artworks.

“In the 80s and even the early 90s, First Nation art was overlooked as 
simply being a native craft. It was relatively unheard of for art 
galleries to showcase native works alongside non-native contemporary 
pieces. For this reason collectors of say Andy Warhol’s pieces, would 
not have incorporated First Nation artworks into their collections. 
However, a sudden shift occurred in the mid-1990’s and First Nation art 
started being recognized for its artistic merits. Nowadays, the internet 
has also completely revolutionized the field and has allowed us to 
easily reach an international market.”

 From its humble beginnings, the First Nation art world has continued to 
grow in Vancouver - spurred on by growing national and international 
interest.

And as a result of the prominence now being placed on First Nation 
artworks this has significantly changed the consumer market.

When the Douglas Reynolds gallery first opened its doors, 90 per cent of 
sales were from people walking in off the street. Nowadays this market 
only makes up 10% of their business.

“Strong demand is coming from the international market and also 
businesses are starting to request customized pieces. Interior designers 
are incorporating First Nation art pieces in their works. We have even 
been asked to create totem poles to be used as support beams in houses.

“First Nation art is being shown in a different light – it’s a different 
game – and it is being embraced by people from all walks of life worldwide.”

    *

      *FIFTEEN opens Saturday, September 18th from 2:00pm - 6:00pm with
      previews at the gallery September 17th from 10:00am - 6:00pm and
      Saturday, September 18th from 10:00am - 2:00pm*

The Douglas Reynolds Gallery is located at 2335 Granville Street, 
between 7th and 8th Avenues in Vancouver's South Granville district. For 
further information and photographs visit 
_http://www.douglasreynoldsgallery.com/Fifteen_. Telephone: (604) 731–9292.



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