Daphne Odjig
Daphne Odjig
 A New Day Begins
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Daphne Odjig (Beavon), born 1919 on the Wikwemikong Reserve, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. She moved to British Columbia in 1968, but returned to the reserve to teach at the Manitou Arts summer workshops in the early 1970's. In the late 1960's, she founded a Native artists group that included Norval Morrisseau, who has been influential on all the Woodland painters. Received the Order of Canada, 1987, an award conferred by the governor-general on a small number of Canadians to recognize exemplary merit and achievement. Many Honorary degrees. Many solo exhibits in France, Israel and Japan. Daphne's family name. Odjig, means fisher in Anishinaabemowin. This is a dark brown animal related to martens and weasels, nearly extinct because of its valuable pelt. Her father and grandfather were artists.
Daphne Odjig is one of the most respected and uniquely individualistic Woodland Indian artists working in Canada today. Born on the Wikwemikong Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, she is a member of the Ojibwa tribe.
 The Grand Entry
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Odjig has developed a distinct style based on the beautifully abstracted human form. The visual motif central to her work is the circle, which to the Ojibwa signifies completion and perfection and is symbolic of women. The motif is characterized by undulating, rhythmic lines, often heavily outlined, enclosing local colour in soft harmonious shades.
Her subject matter deals with human relationships in the context of Indian culture, the importance of grandparents, the function of the family unit, and the universal theme of mother and child. Today the continuing tradition of the Woodland Indian seems to be assured in contemporary Canadian art.
 Powwow Singers |
 Flowers in the Wind |
| Many of the artists depicted on these pages are represented by Whetung Gallery not only by their original works, but also limited editions, open edition reproductions, or greeting cards. They can be purchased framed or unframed and we are able to ship any item from our gallery around the world. Please contact us for more information about any of our artists. |
