| My premise in this thesis is that there is a circular link between art, culture, and identity, and that this link allows for the transmission of meanings and messages, either intentionally or unintentionally, from the artist to the larger society. I intend to examine this link as it applies to the cultures of Northwest Coast First Nations specifically. To demonstrate this I examine the history of Northwest Coast First Nations art, along with the parameters of the constructs of culture and identity. I investigate the relationships within and between art, culture and identity using theoretical principles drawn from perspectives relating to anthropology, cultural studies, art history, deconstructionist theory, and First Nations studies. Having demonstrated that art is a mechanism by which culture and identity are portrayed and disseminated, I turn to a consideration of what meanings and messages can be brought forth through their interplay. Exploring the relationship between culture, history, identity and authority over land, I will examine the potential for the meanings and messages inherent to Northwest Coast First Nations art to have a political impact in terms of bringing awareness and voice to First Nations issues and policy. In drawing my conclusions I use information gathered through interviews conducted with Martine Reid, Roy Henry Vickers, Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, and Art Wilson ('Wii Muk'willixw). I assert that Northwest Coast First Nations art is able to transcend the isolation of cultural differences, act as a mechanism to rejuvenate culture and strengthen identity, and has undeniable potential in terms of bringing awareness and positive political change to issues affecting First Nations people. |
