Draft:George Littlechild, Artist

Nation: Plains Cree

Birthdate: August 16 1958

Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta


A Sixties Scoop survivor, George Littlechild received a diploma in art and design from Red Deer College in 1984, and a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, in 1988. His mixed-media paintings record his personal and family history, as well as his reclamation and reconnection with his ancestral culture. Littlechild believes colours possess spiritual cleansing and purifying power, and is known for his finesse as a colourist as well as his collaging of haunting vintage photographs. His socially charged mixed-media paintings are often made in response to political movements, societal concerns such as reconciliation and reclamation, as well as personal history.

Littlechild has exhibited in Canada and internationally over 40 years and is one of the most recognized living contemporary indigenous artists. He has had numerous solo and group exhibitions with his art has been exhibited in Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, Tasmania and Europe. His books and art have won numerous awards and scholarships. To date he has created hundreds of artworks, which hang in public and private collections around the world.

Littlechild was born in Edmonton, Alberta on August 16, 1958. The son of a Plains Cree mother and a Canadian Celtic father, Littlechild was taken from his home as part of the 60s scoop and was raised by foster parents in Edmonton. His extensive visual arts practice has garnered him two Honorary Doctorate Degrees one from the University of the Fraser Valley (2014) and one from Red Deer Polytechnic (2024).

“In my work, I am committed to righting the wrongs that First Nations peoples have endured by creating art that focuses on cultural, social and political injustices. As an artist, educator and cultural worker, my goal is a better world. It is my job to show the pride, strength and beauty of First Nations people and cultures, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.”

“I am committed to righting the wrongs that First Nations peoples have endured by creating art that focuses on cultural, social and political injustices. As an artist, educator and cultural worker, my goal is a better world. It is my job to show the pride, strength and beauty of First Nations people and cultures, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.”




References

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https://georgelittlechild.com/

https://www.markloriagallery.com/

https://rdpolytech.ca/news/two-honorary-degrees-bestowed-60th-convocation-ceremonies

http://blogs.ufv.ca/blog/2013/06/cree-artist-george-littlechild-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-ufv/?_gl=1*cplkww*_ga*MzUyNjAwOTc3LjE3Mjc5OTYzNTY.*_ga_TTGXF08HS7*MTcyNzk5NjQ3NS4xLjEuMTcyNzk5NzQ1OC41OS4wLjA.

https://www.gallerieswest.ca/magazine/stories/george-littlechild/