Aguenus (Angela Hall), Our Ancient Roots, Acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 2019, Collection of the artist
The Woodland style has influenced many Indigenous artists throughout Canada over the past sixty years. While all are unique talents, many artists who have followed Morrisseau have made use of the rudiments of the Woodland style. These include the expressive and symbolic use of line; images of transformation; x-ray decoration; and the manipulation of bright, contrasting colours.
The travelling exhibition Turtle Island features the work of three contemporary Indigenous artists from central Alberta who, to varying degrees, bear witness to the importance of the Woodland style in their work. Whether through drawing or paint on canvas, these artists demonstrate the bonds between all creatures and celebrate life on Turtle Island, the place we all call home.
The exhibition Turtle Island was curated by Shane Golby and organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program. This exhibition was made possible through generous funding from Syncrude Canada Ltd.
