Name Blake Debassige | ||
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Blake debassige acrylic on canvas
Blake Debassige is a Native Canadian artist of the M'Chigeeng First Nation, born at West Bay on Manitoulin Island in Ontario on June 22, 1956. A leading member of the "second generation" of Ojibwa artists influenced by Norval Morrisseau, Debassige has broadened the stylistic and thematic range of this group. Debassige's paintings and graphics frequently investigate traditional Anishabek teachings about the nature of cosmic order, the cycles of the seasons, the interdependence of animal, plant and human life and the common principles at work in the world's great spiritual systems. He frequently relates these themes to highly contemporary problems such as the destruction of the environment, the alienation of native youth and family dysfunction.
Contents
Debassige married the Cree painter Shirley CheeChoo in 1978.
Solo exhibitions
Debosegai, curated and toured by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, July 12-September 8, 1985;
Group exhibitions
Woodlands: Contemporary Art of the Anishnabe, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery July 7-September 3, 1989
Manitoulin Island: The Third Layer, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery April 3-May 24, 1987
Last Camp, First Song: Indian Art from the Royal Ontario Museum, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, June 15-July 31, 1983
Collections
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Manitoulin Island