> Does anyone know of any good references on Native art forms? I'm interested
> in the politics and power involved in creating and presenting art forms, as
> well as art as a cross-cultural communication mechanism. Any assistance
> provided would be greatly appreciated.
An article of mine--which started out as a conference paper--hits all
the points you're looking for in an examination of feminine imagery
in the work of noted artist Daphne Odjig. It's just been published,
and York should have a subscription to the journal as it's a mainstay
in religious studies. See:
Maureen Korp. "The Bad Medicine Woman and other Images of
Womanhood in the Work of Daphne Odjig, RCA, a Canadian
Potawatomi Artist," ANIMA, Fall 1993, vol.20, nr.1,
pp.21-32.
You'll want also to check back issues of ARTSCRAFT, which is publised
occasionally by the National Indian Arts and Crafts Association here
in Ottawa, and of course the newsletter of the Canadian Native Artists
Association. Gilles Henry at the Department of Indian and Northern
Affairs, Ottawa, maintains current files which are wonderful on
exhibition issues and stuff like that.
That will get you into the political issues that any Canadian native
artist faces. Just pick a name and start tracing the career path,
the information is right there.
You mention power, however. If you mean that in a religious
context--as the power of the image, power of vision transferred,
visionary power immanent in the image--that's a whole other
thing. If you can clarify your question further, get back to me.
best wishes,
Maureen Korp, PhD
Religious Studies
University of Ottawa
mkorp@uottawa mkorp@acadvm1.uottawa.ca