In the last year, Canada has lost the authentic voices of too many of its artists.  Annie Pootoogook, Daphne Odjig, Tim Pitsiulak, and, most recently, Beau Dick, have died.

Beau Dick was an artist, activist, hereditary chief, and, by all accounts, a very engaging personality.  His dealer, LaTiesha Fazakas, of Fazakas Gallery said, “Beau made you believe in magic, destiny and the transcending value of art.”

Beau Dick (Times Colonist image)

Beau Dick’s work is currently part of Documenta 14 in Athens, Greece.  In 2010 his work was part of the Sydney Biennale.  The National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery , the McMichael Canadian Art Collection have all shown his work.  He was a significant Canadian artist.

Marsha Lederman has written a detailed, and enlightening obituary in the Globe and Mail.  You can read it here.  Check the CBC news report  for further images.

Mask, Beau Dick (Canadian Art image)