Libraries are places of translation, exploration, discovery, and revelation — they expose us to the narratives that define our pasts, reflect our present, and point us forward. Displayed next to the entrance of the Coutts Library, “From Residential Schools to Reconciliation” is a new painting that does all this and more.
Artist Kevin Pee-ace shares the story behind the painting:
This painting represents a significant milestone in my professional career and more importantly my personal life. It’s been twenty years since my first submission of “Portrait of a Warrior”, this latest piece is the evolution of that style. It is a symbolic evolution of my journey as an artist/person and the rediscovery of my past merging with the present.
The face is of the mothers and grandmothers who witnessed the pain of having their children and grandchildren taken away from them. Having experienced this firsthand I have come to understand that this chapter in many children’s lives would forever change. Gone are their innocence, their childhood happiness, their language, culture and traditions. The very fabric of their lives would be torn, everything they held dearest to them would be ripped away. By the time this chapter ends these children will come out as survivors and victims of abuse that was seen and unseen. Some will perpetuate a vicious cycle that would consume their very lives and destroy the structure of the family itself.
The memories become symbolized, to me as the artist, I find that the pain becomes hidden, within the symbols. Literally this painting has come at a significant moment not only in my life today but as a first nations person dealing with the trauma of the residential school system.
We have now entered the era of reconciliation, and it is time to embrace this concept personally, socially and creatively. This piece is my contribution to a violent and degrading chapter in my life, it’s become a reminder to myself and to others who have experienced this injustice that we must learn to accept what we couldn’t change then but what we can do now to change how society and more importantly our own families see us.
Unveiled on June 5, 2018, “From Residential Schools to Reconciliation” is on display next to the first floor entrance of the Coutts Library, located in Education South.
About the Artist
Kevin Pee-ace was born in Kelvington Saskatchewan and is a member of the Yellowquill First Nation.