[BCMA] Kesu' Exhibition Opens at MOA March 16, 7 pm

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2012



[River]

[Ravens]


[Doug]

OPENING RECEPTION 16 MARCH 7 PM MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY









Kesu’: The Art and Life of Doug Cranmer honours a man who embodied ‘indigenous modern’ before the term was invented, but preferred the descriptor ‘whittler’ or ‘doodler’ to ‘Kwakwaka’wakw artist.’ Accompanied by a full-color book by curator Dr. Jennifer Kramer, this unique exhibition captures the artist’s personality, his paradoxes, his range of work, and his profound influence on generations of Northwest Coast artists.

Born in 1927 in Alert Bay, BC, to ‘Namgis hereditary chief Daniel Cranmer and his Kwagiulth wife Agnes, Doug was the eldest child of nine who would grow up to inherit his father’s high name, Pal’nakwala Wakas (Great River of Overflowing Wealth), but who preferred to be called by his everyday name Kesu’ (Wealth being Carved). In his life, Doug fulfilled his chiefly responsibilities, but also pushed the boundaries of what many considered 'traditional' Northwest Coast art. Ever the individualist, Doug opened the first Native-run commercial gallery in Vancouver, the Talking Stick, in 1962; worked with Bill Reid on the Haida Houses at UBC and other projects; participated in the seminal 'Arts of the Raven' exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery (1967); and experimented throughout his life with artistic forms and techniques that built on older methods, but took into account efficiency of production and popular demand as well.

The exhibit shows a wide range of Doug’s artistic works in two and three dimensions in wood and paint, from totem poles, a canoe, masks, bentwood boxes, bowls, and prints, to his important “Abstract series” of paintings on mahogany plywood. Works and words by his students are also included in the exhibit, which is organized as a series of overlapping modules that reflect different aspects of the artist’s life and work.

Remix, two specially commissioned new works – one audio-scape and one video work – accompanies the exhibition. Inspired by the irreverent and experimental side of Doug’s artistic practice, local artists Colin Griffiths and Michael Glendale use sound and video clips of Doug to convey the contradictions and complexities of Doug’s life and work. Remix will also be shown at the Campbell River Museum and U’mista Cultural Centre, when components of the exhibition travel to these two locations in the fall of 2012.

The exhibition runs from March 17 through September 3. Opening reception, March 16, 7pm. Everyone welcome.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

MOA Curator Talk: Kesu’: The Art and Life of Doug Cranmer
Sunday, March 18, 1:00-3:00 pm (free with regular MOA admission)
Exhibition curator Dr. Jennifer Kramer gives an illustrated talk on the life and work of Kwakwaka’wakw artist Doug Cranmer.

Sunday Artist Talks: Doug Cranmer influenced a generation of First Nations artists. To honour his legacy, five artists he inspired will speak about his impact on their work. All talks start at 1 pm, and are free with regular MOA admission. Richard Sumner: April 15; Meghann O’Brien: April 22; Bruce Alfred & Wayne Alfred: April 29; Marianne Nicolson: May 6.

Exhibition supported by Department of Canadian Heritage Museums Assistance Program, and proceeds from the Doug Cranmer Memorial Fundraiser, 2007. Media Sponsor The Georgia Straight. Special thanks to curatorial consultants Gloria Cranmer Webster and Vivien Cranmer.










[MOA]

[ubc]











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Contact: Jennifer Webb, Communications Manager
604.822.5950 or jennifer.webb at ubc.ca<mailto:jennifer.webb at ubc.ca>
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Museum and Shop Hours: Closed Mon, open Tues 10 am to 9 pm, open Wed-Sun 10 am to 5 pm.

Images: (top right) Doug Cranmer, Judy Cranmer photo; Non-figurative painting by Doug Cranmer (detail), 1976, MOA 1726/1.(top left) River Monster painting by Doug Cranmer (detail), 1975, MOA 2794/1; (bottom left) Ravens in Nest print by Doug Cranmer, 2005, MOA 2675/1.








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