Demasdaswit's Warrior #15 Item Number: 1480/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Painting with abstract design consisting of a segment of black ribbon, a longer segment of light blue ribbon, six pieces of quill in the form of a figure, and a green undulating pastel line, all on a pink watercolour background.

Narrative

Painting from a series produced by Houle in response to the controversial 1988 exhibition called "The Spirit Sings," at the Glenbow Museum (Calgary AB, Canada). The exhibition, heralded as the flagship of the 1988 Olympic Arts Festival, was the target of a boycott by the Lubicon Band, who were in a battle with the federal government at that time, over their land claim. The exhibition's exclusive corporate sponsor was Shell Oil, who the Lubicon said was responsible for the destruction of their land and lifestyle. Houle decided to wear a black armband when he toured the exhibition in support of the protest. In creating the series in response, he decided to add pieces of the armband to each painting. Apparently he entitled the works after the mother of the Beothuk child whose moccasins, dug from a grave, were included in the exhibition. [Information noted by MOA director Michael Ames in discussion with the artist, May 1989.]

Item History

What

Name
Demasdaswit's Warrior #15
Identification Number
1480/1
Type of Item
painting
Overall
height 28.5 cm, width 19.5 cm

Who

Culture
Ojibwa: Saulteaux
Creator
Robert Houle (Maker)
Previous Owner
Robert Houle
Received from
Robert Houle (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1988
Ownership Date
before April 29, 1991
Acquisition Date
on April 29, 1991

Other

Item Classes
works on paper
Condition
excellent
Current Location
Case 45
Accession Number
1480/0001