ALAN SYLIBOY : The Journey So Far – Dalhousie Art Gallery

On this National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I wanted to share my inspiring encounter with the creative universe of Mi’kmaq Artist, Alan Syliboy.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to acknowledge that the Dalhousie Art Gallery is located in Kjipuktuk, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship which Mi’kmaq, Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

Dalhousie Art Gallery

I came upon Alan Syliboy’s work a few months ago, through the beautifully illustrated pieces he creates on Drums. This “Daily Drum” particularly caught my attention… and has not left me since.

“Spirit Woman”

Today’s drum is entitled “Spirit Woman”.
The spirit of this Mi’kmaw woman is overlooking the physical world.
The Mi’kmaq believe there are spirits and people among us who can bridge the spirit world and physical world.

Alan Syliboy

Last month, I saw three of his paintings at the Prow Gallery in Halifax and the Coup de Coeur, was instantaneous! When I learned that the Dalhousie Art Gallery was going to present a major retrospective covering over 50 years of his works, I made sure to mark my calendar.

Two weeks ago, on a trip to Halifax with my friend Anita, we went to visit the Art Show. A guided tour had just started. Making sure not to disturb anyone, we began our own voyage along extraordinary and colorful characters, effervescent whales, vibrant landscapes, star women, whales, bears, caribous and so many other magical creatures. Through their own story telling, it was as if, each of them were coming to share their precious knowledge of life, death, and of the life after…

It was my friend who recognized him first. In the middle of that group, stood Alan Syliboy. So that’s we got to continue our adventure, filled with gratitude and surprise, with the immense privilege of listening to the Artist… telling his own story.

The exhibit presents some of his most important pieces, created over nearly 50 years. It includes a large part of the Marcia Hennessy Collection. The exhibit acknowledges the extraordinary support of this great patron, an artist herself, whose journey led her to discover the work of Alan Syliboy in the early 70’s. Throughout her life, she acquired close to 100 works.

I invite you to give yourself this beautiful gift… and come to experience his magical universe.

Enjoy your visit!