A new exhibit highlights the ‘Bright Futures’ of Northwest Coast artists
Posted April 25, 2023 7:57 pm.
When you think of famous Indigenous artists from BC, likely one of the first names to come to mind is Bill Reid, the master goldsmith, sculptor, and writer perhaps best known for his sculpture The Spirit of Haida Gwaii.
Now, 25 years after his passing, a new exhibition is showcasing Reid’s work alongside more than a dozen emerging and established Northwest Coast artists — everything from paintings and classical weaving to wearable art.
“He was one of first Northwest Coast artists to really push the boundaries,” explained Beth Carter, one of the curators of Bright Futures.
“He also really led the way for young artists to build their own careers. And, so, those initiatives that he did 40, 50 years (ago) continue to inspire young artists today.”
Carter says Reid’s influence is far-reaching.
“Some of the artists [in the exhibition] are directly influenced. There’s other artists that are more generally influenced. So, they are inspired by how Bill was constantly examining the history of Haida and Northwest Coast art and always trying to innovate it and push it forward.”
Carter says they cast a wide to put together the exhibition.
“We sent out a call for submissions to artists all around the Northwest Coast. And, from that we went through and selected 14 artists to showcase their work alongside of Bill Reid’s work,” Carter explained.
“So, it really is the idea that there is a bright future for Northwest Coast art,” Carter said.
“The art is not static, it’s changing and growing all the time.”
Besides the exhibition itself, there are workshops, artist talks, curatorial tours, and even an Indigenous artist market. Bright Futures is on at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in Downtown Vancouver from April. 26 to Jan. 14 of next year.
