Art History and Global Traditions · Term 3

Indigenous Art and Sovereignty

Exploring the significance of Indigenous artistic traditions in Canada and their role in asserting cultural identity.

About This Topic

Modernism was a radical break with the past, as artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries began to reject the 'rules' of realistic representation. In this topic, Grade 11 students analyze the major movements of Modernism, from the light-filled experiments of Impressionism to the raw emotion of Abstract Expressionism. This aligns with the Ontario curriculum's 'Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing' strand, where students explore how social changes, like the World Wars and the Industrial Revolution, influenced artistic expression.

Students will investigate why artists felt that 'realism' was no longer enough to capture the complexity of the modern world. They will look at how Canadian artists, like the Group of Seven, adapted Modernist ideas to create a unique 'national' style. This topic is best explored through 'style-switching' workshops where students can physically experiment with the different techniques of Modernism, from the 'broken brushstrokes' of Monet to the 'drip painting' of Pollock.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how Indigenous art movements and individual works challenge Eurocentric definitions of fine art and aesthetic value.
• Explain how contemporary Indigenous artists adapt traditional techniques, materials, and storytelling methods in their modern artistic practice.
• Evaluate the multifaceted connection between land, spirituality, and cultural identity as expressed through Indigenous visual and performing arts.
• Compare and contrast the artistic goals and cultural significance of historical Indigenous art with contemporary Indigenous art expressions.
• Synthesize research on specific Indigenous artists to articulate their contributions to both Indigenous sovereignty and global art discourse.

Before You Start

Introduction to Art History: Major Movements

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Western art historical periods and movements to effectively analyze how Indigenous art challenges or diverges from these frameworks.

Elements and Principles of Design

Why: A grasp of fundamental artistic elements (line, shape, color) and principles (balance, contrast, emphasis) is necessary for analyzing and discussing the visual characteristics of Indigenous artworks.

Key Vocabulary

Sovereignty	The authority of a state to govern itself or another state. In this context, it refers to the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, including the control over their cultural expressions and artistic narratives.
Cultural Identity	The sense of belonging to a group based on shared cultural heritage, traditions, language, and values. Indigenous art plays a crucial role in maintaining and asserting this identity.
Decolonization	The process of dismantling colonial power structures and reclaiming Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices. Indigenous art is a significant tool in this process.
Land-Based Art	Art that is created in direct connection with the land, often drawing inspiration from its natural elements, spiritual significance, and Indigenous histories. This connection is central to many Indigenous artistic traditions.
Contemporary Indigenous Art	Art produced by Indigenous artists in the present day, which may incorporate traditional aesthetics, materials, and themes while also engaging with modern concepts, technologies, and social issues.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation: The Modernist Style Lab

Set up stations for different movements: Impressionism (focus on light), Cubism (focus on multiple perspectives), and Expressionism (focus on color/emotion). Students spend 15 minutes at each, creating a small 'sketch' in that style.

⏱ 60 min·Individual

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: The 'Why' of Abstraction

Show a realistic painting and an abstract painting of the same subject (e.g., a tree). Pairs discuss: 'If the camera can take a perfect picture, what is the artist's new job?' They then share their conclusions with the class.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Inquiry Circle: Art and the Great War

Small groups are given a Modernist movement that was influenced by WWI (e.g., Dada or Surrealism). They must research how the trauma of the war changed the 'mood' and 'subject matter' of art and present their findings through a digital collage.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

Indigenous artists like Kent Monkman, whose work is exhibited in major galleries such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, use their art to critique historical narratives and assert Indigenous perspectives, influencing public understanding of Canadian history.

Museums and cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. or the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, actively work to showcase and preserve Indigenous artistic traditions, often collaborating with Indigenous communities on exhibitions and programming.

The design of public spaces and urban planning in cities like Vancouver and Winnipeg increasingly incorporates Indigenous art and cultural elements, reflecting a commitment to reconciliation and the integration of Indigenous worldviews into the built environment.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Abstract art is 'easy' and 'anyone could do it'.

What to Teach Instead

Abstract art requires a deep understanding of composition, color theory, and emotional impact. By having students try to 'copy' a famous abstract work, they quickly realize the skill and intention behind every mark and choice.

Common Misconception

Modernism is just about 'weird' or 'ugly' art.

What to Teach Instead

Modernism was a serious attempt to find a 'new truth' for a new world. Discussing the 'manifestos' of these movements helps students see that Modernist artists were often deeply philosophical and committed to social change.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'How does the concept of 'ownership' differ between traditional Western art markets and Indigenous artistic traditions where art is often communal or tied to specific ceremonies?' Encourage students to cite examples discussed in class.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write on an index card: 'Identify one contemporary Indigenous artist and explain how their work connects to traditional Indigenous values or practices.' Collect these at the end of the lesson to gauge understanding of adaptation and connection.

Quick Check

Present students with two images: one historical Indigenous artifact and one piece of contemporary Indigenous art. Ask them to write down three similarities and three differences in terms of materials, techniques, or intended purpose. Review responses for common misconceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'Modern' and 'Contemporary' art?

Modern art generally refers to the period from the late 1800s to the 1960s, characterized by a break with tradition and an interest in 'newness.' Contemporary art is the art of 'today,' produced from the late 20th century to the present, often focusing on social issues, identity, and new media.

Who were the Group of Seven and why are they 'Modernist'?

The Group of Seven were Canadian landscape painters who used Modernist techniques, like bold colors and simplified shapes, to capture the 'ruggedness' of the Canadian wilderness. They rejected the 'soft' European style of the time to create something that felt uniquely Canadian.

Why did Modernist artists stop using perspective?

They wanted to acknowledge the 'flatness' of the canvas. They felt that 'tricking' the eye into seeing depth was dishonest. By flattening the image, they could focus on other things, like the 'feeling' of the paint or the 'energy' of the composition.

How can active learning help students understand Modernism?

Modernism is about 'process' and 'experimentation.' Active learning strategies like 'Blind Contour Drawing' or 'Automatic Writing' (used by Surrealists) allow students to experience the 'loss of control' that many Modernist artists sought. This hands-on engagement helps them understand that Modernism wasn't just a 'look,' but a completely new way of thinking about the act of creation.