(b. 1955)
Located next to LY 107.7 (opposite Archives & Special Collections, Dr. Archer Library 1st floor)
© Keith Bird. Reproduced with the permission of the artist. Photograph by the University of Regina.
The Clans, 2009
Oil pigment on buffalo hide
84” x 61″
University of Regina President’s Art Collection; pc.2012.11
This showing is about Aboriginal spiritual teachings and the refreshing of old stories and spiritual practices that may have been forgotten or are no longer used in this generation. I believe that these teachings should not go way of the dodo but continue to have reverence and a use in contemporary societies. The handing down of spiritual and cultural information is a common practice within Aboriginal culture, and art is a great vehicle for any information. I believe that cultural teachings are pertinent to society as a whole, as it is a basis for personal identity. The sharing of cultural knowledge creates a better understanding between the diverse cultures.
The Clans is a depiction of only one of the clans as there are too many to depict in one painting. The clan that is being depicted is Bear clan, which is the strength within the clan. The white line through the bear on the left side differentiates between male and female within the clan. The four red circles depict the sun, which is the symbol of life within Aboriginal society. The sun is in front and also behind showing that life encompasses all. The geometric design that fades out behind the bear skull depicts the unity within nature and Aboriginal culture and spirituality as most geometric Aboriginal designs come from the environment. The radiating lines away from the male and female bears are stylized bears depicting the never ending universe. As the clans come from time immemorial to time immemorial.
Buffalo Stands Firm, Keith Bird
Keith Bird was born in Lestock, SK and is of Cree and Saulteaux descent. He completed a BFA from the University of Regina in 2008 and an MFA in 2013.