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#nofilterneeded Shining light on the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers’ Association (NIIPA), 1985-1992

#nofilterneeded Shining light on the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers’ Association (NIIPA), 1985-1992

Image: ‘Plenty Chief’, by Jeffrey M. Thomas

Curated by Rhéanne Chartrand
McMaster Museum of Art  |  January 2 – March 24, 2018

A new exhibition at the McMaster Museum of Art, #nofilterneeded highlights a significant moment in Indigenous art history – the foundation and dynamic early years of the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers’ Association (NIIPA) in Hamilton.

In 1985, a group of Indigenous image-makers came together on James Street South to form NIIPATheir core objective was to promote a positive, realistic and contemporary image of Indigenous peoples through the medium of photography. They felt that, for far too long, Indigenous peoples had been portrayed through someone else’s lens, and that it was time they took control of the image in order to contest and demystify stereotypical representations of Indigenous peoples.

“NIIPA provided technical training and networking opportunities for Indigenous photographers at a time when there were few, if any, supports for Indigenous image-makers,” said Curator Rhéanne Chartrand.

Though NIIPA was based in Hamilton, the organization’s activities, namely its annual conferences, brought together Indigenous photographers from across Canada and the United States. That they managed to find each other across such large geographical distances, amidst so many barriers to Indigenous creative expression, attests to their resourcefulness and dedication to advancing photography as a medium for sharing contemporary Indigenous stories.

“Many of the NIIPA members went on to become some of the most prominent artists, arts administrators, and leaders within the Indigenous community at-large,” says Chartrand, “but few people, both inside and outside the Indigenous arts community, know about NIIPA… #nofilterneeded aims to fill this knowledge gap and honour their efforts.”

#nofilterneeded features works by Simon Brascoupe, Dorothy Chocolate, Valerie General, Pat Green, Rick Hill, Tim Johnson, Joel Johnson, Jimmy Manning, Martin Akwiranoron Loft, Douglas Maracle, Yvonne Maracle, Murray McKenzie, Brenda Mitten, Lance Mitten, Shelley Niro, Jolene Rickard, Greg Staats, Morley Stewart, and Jeff Thomas.

The works presented in #nofilterneeded are primarily derived from NIIPA’s first two self-produced exhibitions, Visions (’85) and Silver Drum (’86), and provide an unfiltered view into the interests and concerns of beautiful, resilient and thriving peoples. The Museum has partnered with the Indigenous Art Centre, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, who hold most of the works in their collection.

#nofilterneeded is presented in partnership with the Indigenous Art Centre, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

EVENTS
OPENING RECEPTION:  Thursday, January 11, 6 – 8 pm
ARTISTS’ ROUNDTABLE: Thursday, February 8, 6 – 8 pm.

with Rick Hill, Yvonne Maracle, Brenda Mitten, and Greg Staats

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Image details (clockwise from top left) Murray McKenzieNative Studies, 1984; Dorothy ChocolateFeast, Fort Franklin, N.W.T., 1981; Shelley NiroCousins, c. 1987; Brenda MittenRemember the RemovalRichard W. Hill (Sr.)Randy HillJoel Johnson, Rail Robot; Martin “Akwiranoron” LoftJessie – MicmacGreg StaatsMary, 1982. Collection of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Photographer: Lawrence Cook

About the McMaster Museum of Art
Established in 1967, McMaster Museum of Art (MMA) is a public, non-profit, university-affiliated gallery situated in the heart of McMaster University campus. The MMA, which houses the University’s internationally recognized collection of approximately 6000 art objects and antiquities, presents exhibitions and provides public programs through scholarly research and interpretation.

All events are free and open to the Public.

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For more information about the exhibition, please contact:
Rhéanne Chartrand, Curator of Indigenous Art, McMaster Museum of Art
905-525-9140 ext. 27573   chartrr@mcmaster.ca   rhe.chartrand@gmail.com

For images please contact:
RoseAnne Prevec, Communications Officer, McMaster Museum of Art
905-525-9140 ext. 27574    or    prevecr@mcmaster.ca

MCMASTER MUSEUM OF ART
Alvin A. Lee Building
McMaster University
1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6
905.525.9140 x.23241

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