Loading...
Loading...
Meryl McMaster : nikihci-âniskotâpân bloodline opens June 8 at Glenbow at The Edison CALGARY, AB , June 7, 2024 /CNW/ - Throughout nikihci-âniskotâpân bloodline , artist Meryl McMaster's exploration of her family history, ancestry and her own identity is at the forefront. Her large-scale photographic self-portraits explore her mixed nêhiyaw/Métis and Anglo/Dutch ancestry. "A lot of my work is informed by my mixed cultural heritage," says McMaster.
"No doubt there are fault lines and pressure points in belonging to multiple cultures. For me, it is invigorating and enriching to have a bicultural heritage. It is that very complexity, the stories, ideas, and reflections that drive my work and that I strive to celebrate and hold space for.
" While some of McMaster's earliest works infuse historical representations of Indigenous peoples with more contemporary expressions, others suggest an imaginative repossession of the land, showing dream-like scenarios playing out in beautiful photos. Her handcrafted, elaborate costumes embody the blended strains of her ancestry, often echoing historic garments and ceremonial regalia. "Creating art contributes to who I am as it helps me understand the complex world around me," says McMaster.
"I am constantly growing and changing, and I think that is reflected in my work. What I have learned through creating is that there are many layers to oneself. We are all complex, because of lived experiences.
My practice.