October 7, 2005 Source: Simon Fraser University: http://www.sfu.ca/mediapr/news_releases/archives/news10070501.htm Objects of Bright Pride: Haida watercolour featured at auction Contact
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, 604.312.3375; haida@island.net
George MacDonald, Bill Reid Foundation 604.682.3455
Marianne Meadahl, SFU Media & PR,604.291.3210 October 07, 2005
Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is known for creating what he calls Haida manga, a unique way of making First Nations oral culture contemporary. Beyond his penchant for literary creativity is Yahgulanaas' masterful artwork. One of his works will be featured at the Objects of Bright Pride auction, featuring Northwest Coast artworks, on Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Yahgulanaas, who grew up in Masset and currently resides in Vancouver, created "everyone carries Raven's pole," a stunning watercolor on paper, for the Bill Reid Foundation event. With a growing reputation in Asia, he created the piece while completing a four-metre long commission destined for a private Picasso collection in Seoul, Korea and while editing a second printing of his latest publication of Haida manga in Japan. The watercolour is one of more than 100 artworks to be featured at the auction. The event will benefit Bill Reid Foundation projects and the newly established Bill Reid Centre for Northwest Coast Art Studies at SFU, and is one of the events celebrating SFU's 40th anniversary. The auction will feature works created by several outstanding First Nations artists including: Bill Reid, Jim Hart, Robert Davidson, David Boxley, Corey Moraes, and Christian White. Works will include: masks, jewellery, wood carvings, clothing, furniture and woven baskets and hats. It will be an opportunity to view and bid on works by internationally established and emerging artists. The auctioneer will be Barry Scott of Maynards. An online auction catalogue is now available at www.billreidfoundation.org Tickets are $150 each or $120 each for a group of 10 or more, and include a First Nations inspired buffet reception and live and silent auctions. For more information check the website or or email auction@billreidfoundation.org. - 30 - | 