Carrying on "Irregardless": Humour in Contemporary Northwest Coast Art

Carrying on "Irregardless": Humour in Contemporary Northwest Coast Art marks a new beginning in appreciating Northwest Coast indigenous humour through a rich and provocative range of works of 28 accomplished Northwest Coast artists.

"Irregardless" is co-curated by Tahltan artist, stand-up comedian and curator, Peter Morin, in collaboration with the Gallery's Director of Content and Research, Dr. Martine J. Reid, who proposed the original concept of the exhibition. Most of the 60 pieces in the exhibition were produced during the last 15 years and many have not previously been exhibited. They include a rich and provocative range of works – paintings, sculptures, drawings, masks, etchings, photographs, textiles, jewelry and video installations. Works in "Irregardless" were selected for their aesthetic qualities and their sense of fun and playfulness, the two main ingredients of humour.

Works in "Irregardless" use humour, irony, parody and satire to challenge stereotypes and raise unexpected questions. "This exhibition continues the Bill Reid Gallery's growing tradition of exploring new themes in contemporary Northwest Coast art" said Mike Robinson, Executive Director, Bill Reid Gallery.

Along with the exhibition, the Bill Reid Gallery will present Laughing "Irregardless": Multimedia Aboriginal Humour, a celebration of humour's power to heal and unify. Curated and moderated by Aboriginal filmmaker, Loretta Todd, the series is part of the SFU Public Square events, and will run through March 2013 (See public programs for more info).

Exhibition Partners