First Nations Art: What Is It?

First Nations art is a strange term. What exactly does it mean?

Does it refer to art made by people of First Nations heritage? Or does it refer to the traditional First Nations art forms, such as carving, beadwork, painted feathers and quill work?

Must artists use traditional aboriginal styles, motifs and themes for their work to be considered authentic First Nations art?

The truth is that the definition is different for everyone. But one thing that everyone agrees on is that you must be of First Nations heritage to produce authentic First Nations art. Appropriation of aboriginal artistic forms, styles and themes by others is considered unfair and insulting.

That’s not to say that others can’t borrow from First Nations artists. After all, artists are influenced by the work of others. Many First Nations artists have been influenced by the work of people who are of non-aboriginal heritage, as well as by aboriginal artists.

The artists who started Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg, Manitoba have a pretty all-inclusive definition: they believe that First Nations art is art produced by people of First Nations heritage. Whether that art contains traditional aboriginal styles, forms, materials, etc. isn’t really important.

Styles of First Nations Art

In Canada, aboriginal art is typically divided into 4 styles:

• Northwest coast art (also called West coast art and Haida art)
• Inuit art
• Woodlands art
• Prairies art

Media Used in First Nations Art

First Nations art is done in virtually every medium imaginable. Some of the most popular are as follows:

• Paintings
• Carvings
• Drawings
• Sculptures
• Glasswork
• Beadwork

Themes in First Nations Art

First Nations art, regardless of the background of the artist, often centers around spirituality. While this may occasionally include Christian symbolism, aboriginal painting and other artwork is more likely to reflect traditional aboriginal symbolism and spiritual ideas.

Thus you will find themes relating to nature, peace, harmony, balanced living and love. The struggles of Canada’s indigenous peoples and the endurance of traditional knowledge and how it can help healing today are other themes you may discover in First Nations art.

Learn More

If you have a passion for collecting or making First Nations art, you’ve come to the right place. Please read through this site at your leisure. You’ll find tons of information on where to buy First Nations art, popular First Nations artists and where you should consider going if you want to study First Nations art.

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