Carrying on "Irregardless": Humour in Contemporary Northwest Coast Art

Beau Dick: Laughter Mask, 1973. Collection of Steve Loretta. Photo: William Neville 

Explore humour in FN art

http://www.billreidgallery.ca/Exhibition/CurrentExhibition.php

A new exhibition (on now until March 17) at the Bill Reid Gallery (SFU) explores the topic of humour in contemporary Aboriginal art. Group admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students.

"Works in "Irregardless" use humour, irony, parody and satire to challenge stereotypes and raise unexpected questions.
"The exhibition is co–curated by Peter Morin, in collaboration with the Gallery's Director of Content and Research, Dr. Martine J. Reid. Most of the 60 pieces in the exhibition were produced during the last 15 years and many have not previously been exhibited. They include a rich and provocative range of works—paintings, sculptures, drawings, masks, etchings, photographs, textiles, jewelry and video installations. Works in "Irregardless" were selected for their aesthetic qualities and their sense of fun and playfulness, the two main ingredients of humour. 

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Novel: "Mi'kmaq Song"

Fiction can be a great way to learn more about history and culture in an enjoyable format.

 Check out the first chapter of this novel "Mi'kmaq Song" by Pat Cher. (There are a number of glowing reviews about the book on her site.)

  "It began with a dream. "Come follow me." Gheeju, her Mi’kmaq grandmother, urged. Maggie didn't realize that to follow would mean plunging into uncharted wilderness ... Maggie captured by Abtatuk , a Mi’kmaq, finds her life turned upside down as she experiences the Mi’kmaq way of life; their legends, the Little People, the neighbouring Penobscot."