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| Cowboys and Indians (and Métis?) |
 by: Amy Connochie, Cultural Coordinator, Miywasin Society of Aboriginal Services
David Garneau is a Métis artist whose exhibition Cowboys and Indians (and Métis?), was shown at the Esplanade Art Gallery in Medicine Hat March 11 to April 30, 2006.
One of the major pieces in the exhibition, How the West Was…, is a series of paintings made of 36 panels combined in a comic book style. The piece is a representation of the settlement of the Canadian plains using a range of aboriginal and non-aboriginal images, taken from dominant historical sources, popular culture and art.
 As Garneau notes: “The painting includes fragments from Classics Illustrated Comics about the west; from a Norman Rockwell painting; from contemporary cigarette ads; from great Canadian historical paintings; and from pulp cowboy novels from the 1960s, particularly those featuring men tying each other up and non-aboriginal men cross-dressing as aboriginals.” Garneau also introduced some aspects of his family story, with references to the Oregon Trail and scenes from the Métis Resistance.
In the painting How the West was… Garneau quietly announced his Métis-ness. For him it was a way to connect with his Métis heritage and community with which he had a growing relationship. Garneau’s journey in learning about his Métis roots was not always easy, and this is reflected in this work at the gallery. Growing up in a predominantly non-aboriginal society, being called “Indian” and experiencing racial discrimination has influenced his views.
An evening reception was held on April 7th, in partnership with the Miywasin Society to highlight the exhibition. Before the reception, several Métis Elders were invited to view the paintings. The Elders were taken with his artwork, and several admitted feeling a strong emotional connection. One of Garneau’s paintings, “Métis Erasures” is a very simple work, but several Elders pointed out that it struck a cord with them. It is simply the word “Métis” written in charcoal on a piece of paper, and then erased - yet it faintly remains. This is very symbolic of the Métis people; no matter how hard society has tried to assimilate them, they still proudly maintain their identity and culture.
The evening reception opened with the Miywasin Métis Jiggers, who delighted the crowd. Following the dance demonstration, Garneau explained some of the thinking behind his work and his connection to the Métis people and their history. The evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Because of the Medicine Hat area’s rich history of Métis occupancy, it is very appropriate that the Esplanade Art Gallery display Métis art. The Métis people were key founders of Medicine Hat and have inhabited the area for over 150 years.
For those in the Edmonton area Cowboys and Indians (and Métis?) will be shown at the Harcourt House (third floor of 10215 112 St.) from November 23 – December 23, 2006. |
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Telephone (780)455-2200 Toll-Free Alberta (800)252-7553 Fax
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