I’m jumping the gun on this a bit, as this show doesn’t actually open at the Art Gallery of Regina until tomorrow. It’s by Keith Bird, who is a member of the Cote First Nation, and who also possesses BFA from the University of Regina. In this multi-media installation, says the gallery press release, Bird explores the intersection between traditional spirituality and contemporary First Nations culture.
Featured in the show are five buffalo hide paintings that are suspended from the ceiling, along with two ceremonial drums. Through a mix of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques, Bird endeavours to recapture and reintroduce spiritual teachings and beliefs that have been lost or mis-interpreted through time. “Mushum”, by the way, is the Cree word for grandfather.
During next Monday’s (May 24) kick-off to the Cathedral Village Arts Festival Bird will give a talk at the gallery at 2 p.m. Mushum … ! What is That? runs until June 25.
