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First-ever retrospective exhibition of captivating Tahltan-Tlingit master carver Dempsey Bob

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Published
04/07/2022 by

Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob celebrates this Tahltan-Tlingit master carver's outstanding career achievements, particularly his instrumental role in moving Northwest Coast art traditions forward. Such expertise is demonstrated through his work in alder and cedar, including Dempsey Bob's signature torqueing of the form, highly polished surfaces, and ability to orchestrate secondary materials including mirrors, operculum shell, acrylic paint and sea lion whiskers. His fifty-year oeuvre in wood is complemented by bronze casting, goldsmithing, printmaking and vestment production – a brilliant selection of which has been brought together for this important exhibition, opening on April 2 at the Audain Art Museum (AAM).

"The Audain Art Museum is honoured to be mounting such a tribute to one of BC's most gifted carvers" explains Dr. Curtis Collins, Director & Chief Curator of the AAM. "Wolves presents a rare opportunity for visitors to experience a range of exceptional works that speak to Bob's advancement of Northwest Coast aesthetic practices. The exhibition is integral to the Museum's ongoing effort to provide a transformative experience for appreciating the art of this province."

Wolves offers over 100 incredible pieces on loan from private and public collections across Canada, and is co-produced by the Audain Art Museum and McMichael Canadian Art Collection. The exhibition will feature a chronological selection of masks, panels, sculptures, jewellery and regalia created by Dempsey Bob over the course of his prolific career from the 1970s to present, some of which have rarely been displayed in public. Following its debut at the Audain Art Museum, the exhibition will tour to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Kelowna Art Gallery, accompanied by a fully illustrated hard cover book featuring the artist's life stories and legends entitled Dempsey Bob: In His Own Voice.

Made possible by the support of Presenting Sponsor RBC, Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob is on display in Whistler from April 2 until August 14, 2022. "RBC looks to support artists who are creating innovative conversations that shape how we engage with communities," shares Martin Thibodeau, RBC Royal Bank's regional president, British Columbia. "Dempsey Bob has been a significant innovator of the Northwest Coast cultural art form for over 50 years – and he continues to innovate by building cross-cultural partnerships and inspiring the next generations of emerging artists.  As an extension of our long-standing support for Indigenous artists, we are so proud to partner with the Audain Art Museum to celebrate one of the world's most talented carvers."

In addition to RBC, exhibition sponsors include Major Sponsor Brian & Andrea Hill, Government Partner Canada Council for the Arts, Supporting Sponsors Shell Canada, Skeena Resources and SAM Foundation, Exclusive Transportation Provider PACART, Hotel Partner Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Wine Selection Sponsor Tantalus Vineyards.

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