Emily Carr painted this artwork in 1929 on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island. The village is the ancestral home of the Mowachaht people. It is done from a one-point perspective. Contrast is evident in the artwork.
Study Guides
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A Sudden Gust of Wind by Jeff Wall
“A Sudden Gust of Wind” (8 feet x 13 feet) is a digital photomontage composed of more than 100 photographs. It is a conceptual photograph exploring “Instantaneity” modelled after Japanese printmaker Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock print Ejiri in Suruga Province (Sunshū Ejiri), ca. 1830-1832. It is presented as a transparency mounted on a lightbox.
The Enchanted Owl by Kenojuak Ashevak
The Enchanted Owl is a fantastical, rather than realistic, representation of an owl, composed of pleasing, simplified forms, with long, whimsical feathers. It is removed from any background. The work displays compositional balance; the tail feathers occupying roughly the same space as the bird’s body. It is one of the most recognized works in Canada.
Hometown Queen by Camille Turner
Miss Canadiana is a fictional pageant queen dressed in gown, sash and tiara who represents her country and makes public appearances, posing for photos, handing out flags and signing autographs. With the creation of Miss Canadiana, Turner is addressing-and disrupting- the symbols, cliches and stereotypes associated with the country.
Resurgence of the People by Kent Monkman
Resurgence of the People shows dozens of characters of various ethnicities aboard a boat paddled by Indigenous people and captained by Miss Chief. It is a historical narrative artwork in the style of older Classical works, but the subject matter offers a counter narrative to the history of Canada traditionally depicted.
Canadassimo (Dépanneur) by BGL
“Canadassimo (Dépanneur)” was made by the Quebec City art collective BGL in 2015. It was exhibited at the Venice Biennale, a contemporary art festival, where the group represented Canada. BGL’s work is often humorous, but it addresses serious issues like consumerism and the environment. Recycling and repurposing are also important to the way they make art. Their Dépanneur is a full-scale reproduction of a corner store, offering visitors an immersive and transportive experience.