Creative Research Topic: Jane Ash Poitras

The image I have selected for this assignment is The Contrary, (1999) a mixed media collage on canvas by Canadian First Nations artist Jane Ash Poitras. There are many reasons for choosing such an important piece for this assignment, not least of which is my love for contemporary First Nations art. Jane Ash Poitras often works in mixed media and collage. Sometimes when working in the fine arts, students can feel limited by their artistic ability. Working in mixed media and collage can overcome this as the process of assembly and construction is more important that fine motor skill ability.

I have also chosen this specific piece for its connection to the Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum. While the majority of this curriculum is based in the past, it does have two very small, yet highly significant, specific expectations based on contemporary issues. This piece highlights the struggle between historical characters and contemporary stereotypes and overtly asks the viewer to examine them in conjunction with one another. Not only does this piece demonstrate contemporary concerns for First Nations people, it was created only a few years ago. It has been my experience that most visual aids used when teaching about the First Nations are more historical ethnological artefacts (or paintings by Paul Kane). This, on the other hand, is by an important, current, female artist.

I would show this picture after most of the historical data has been taught and students are beginning to form their own opinions of modern First Nations culture.
Some questions I would ask my students:

• What is going on in this picture?
• Who is represented?
• Who I not represented?
• How do you think it was made?
o How can you tell?
• What was this piece made?
o How do you know?
• Who created this piece?
o A man?
o A woman?
o What race of heritage do they come from?
• How do you know?
• What is this piece about?
• What would be a good title for this piece?
o Why?
• Why is this picture important?
• Why was it created?
• How does it relate to what we have already learned about First Nations people?
• If you had to make a picture about your culture what would you include?
• How would you go about finding out about your culture?
• How does this piece relate to the following quote?
o "Today, more and more Indians are becoming successful warriors and healers, storytellers and teachers in mainstream society, applying historical values to contemporary situations, proud and certain of their identity, successfully maintaining their culture as adapted to their new situation, and relying on the same spiritual resources that guided their ancestors."1

http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/template/index.php?action=output.loHome&id=1821&collectionId=1668&user=