No story is black and white, especially not for Plains Cree artist George Littlechild. Known for his colourful paintings and distinct pop art style of portraiture, Littlechild’s newest work is on display at Kimoto Gallery until November 8. The current exhibition titled Those That Listen presents three unique themes: man and woman in rural and urban spaces, humans talking with animals and a series of paintings that use stereotypical imagery of Native Americans included with cigarette packages.

According to Kimoto Gallery’s director and curator, Katsumi Kimoto, Littlechild is a notable contributor to Canadian Art and an important First Nations artist. With a vivid palette of colour and unique style, Littlechild’s work is undoubtedly striking, and Kimoto feels viewers and collectors are initially drawn to it because of these aesthetic qualities.

“He is a natural colourist, and his work has beautiful colour. Firstly, people respond to that,” says Kimoto. “I always recognized his work in any place I saw it. They are beautiful, significant pieces.”

First Nation Cowboy Jim And His Horse Spectrum, mixed media on paper. | Artwork by George Littlechild

Painting the political

In addition to Littlechild’s remarkable use of colour, Kimoto is fascinated by his creative and critical perspective, and the stories and ideas which can be discovered in his artwork.

“His work is historically relevant, relating to both the past and present, and alluding to injustices toward First Nations people,” says Kimoto. “Once you learn the symbols and stories behind the piece, it enriches the work that much more. It is a journey for the viewer.”

Visually, Littlechild’s work is both attractive and dynamic, yet it is also layered with social and political commentary. His work is often political, and in this exhibition his most political pieces are those that include stereotypical images of the Sioux people that were at one time included with American cigarette packages.

Sioux Warchief In Full Regalia, oil on canvas. | Artwork by George Littlechild

“In the old days, you’d get a pack of cigarettes with a linen depicting stereotypes of who Native Americans are or what Native Americans do. Sacred ceremonies were looked upon as backwards,” says Littlechild. “It is something that shouldn’t have happened.”

Littlechild enlarged the photos, printed them on canvas and painted over top of the images, adding embellishments and symbols. In doing so, he adds new meanings to the original image. The five-point star, for instance, included in Sioux Warchief Signaling The Enemy Is Coming, as well as several other of his works, symbolizes the Morning Star, which represents hope within Cree culture.

The colour within

Littlechild, who created art at an early age and started art lessons as a young child, has always used bright, bold colours as though it were an inherent part of his artistic practice. And it is through colour that he intends to bring ‘the sacred’ back into these stereotypical representations of Native Americans.

“I believe that colour is healing,” says Littlechild. “It is where the sacred code comes in.”

He expresses that life and spirituality are his greatest influences and when it comes to his art – and his life – he trusts intuition. And perhaps it is this intuition that led Littlechild to explore other channels for sharing his extensive collection of work.

Although never intending to be an author, Littlechild has published several illustrated books, including books for children. His most recent publication, The Spirit Giggles Within, features 150 of Littlechild’s full-colour paintings, which are accompanied with notes by the artist.

“The book is a great testament to my beliefs surrounding the social and political issues of First Nations. Every piece of work tells a part of that story,” he says.

Those That Listen,
at Kimoto Gallery Oct.18–Nov. 8.

To learn more about George Littlechild and his work, please visit www.georgelittlechild.com