Dawani Art Gallery - Untitled by Del Ashkewe - DEAS-01

Del Ashkewe (1947-2022), a Canadian artist of Cree Ojibway heritage, emerged as a distinctive voice in the world of contemporary Indigenous art. Born on the Cape Croker Hunting Ground Indian Reserve in Ontario, Ashkewe's early experiences at Brantford's Residential Indian School profoundly shaped his life and art. He spent years grappling with the loss of his fluency in Algonkian, a linguistic and cultural identity forcibly stripped away, which deeply influenced his artistic narrative. Despite his challenging beginnings, Ashkewe was not defined by adversity but rather his resilience and dedication to his craft. He famously said, "I'm a painter, an artist," distancing himself from the violence and hardships of his past. His work, often incorporating elements of Pop Art sensibilities, diverged from the traditional themes of the Woodland school, instead exploring vibrant and dynamic expressions of Ojibway folklore, as seen in his illustrations for the children's book "How the Birds Got Their Color." Living much of his life as a wanderer, Ashkewe remained relatively detached from conventional legalities and societal structures, valuing honor above all. His approach to art was deeply personal and imbued with a sense of integrity that resonated throughout his works. Ashkewe's legacy in the Canadian art scene remains profound, with his works serving as a testament to a life lived with passion and dedication to cultural storytelling through the visual arts.

Medium: Print

Dawani Art Gallery is a Toronto-based online gallery founded by architect and passionate art collector Murlidhar Dawani, dedicated to showcasing South Asian art and celebrating the cultural heritage of Pakistan, India, and the region. The gallery offers a meticulously curated selection of art, prints, and sculptures from leading Pakistani artists, Indian artists, and global creatives, bridging the gap between contemporary and traditional art. With works by Anwar Saeed, Jamil Naqsh, Tassaduq Sohail, Nagori, Colin David, and Bashir Mirza, Dawani Art Gallery presents an inspiring collection that reflects South Asia's diverse artistic expressions and stories.

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