Benjamin Chee Chee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Chee Chee
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 26 March 1944 Temagami, Ontario, Canada
|
| Died | 14 March 1977 (aged 32) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education | Self-taught |
| Known for | Painting |
| Movement | Woodland School of Art |
Benjamin Chee Chee (born Kenneth Thomas Chee Chee on March 26, 1944 – died March 14, 1977) was a talented Ojibwe Canadian artist. He was born in Temagami, Ontario. Chee Chee became famous for his unique painting style, which featured graceful lines and simple colors.
Contents
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Benjamin Chee Chee had a challenging start to his life. He spent many years looking for his mother. In 1965, he moved to Montreal, where he discovered his passion for drawing. Later, in 1973, he moved back to Ottawa.
His Artistic Journey
Chee Chee's first art show happened in 1973 at the University of Ottawa. He quickly became well-known for his special style. His paintings used clear, smooth lines and very few colors. He often drew birds and animals.
Even though his art included images often seen in First Nations art, Chee Chee said his paintings did not have hidden meanings. He called the animals in his art "creatures of the present." He also proudly identified himself as an Ojibway artist, rather than just an "Indian" artist.
Later Life and Passing
After finding his mother and achieving success as an artist, Benjamin Chee Chee passed away unexpectedly in Ottawa in 1977. He was buried in Notre Dame Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario. His artwork has been shown in many exhibitions across Canada after his death.
His Lasting Impact
Benjamin Chee Chee's influence continues to be recognized. He has been mentioned in Canada's Parliament by Robert-Falcon Ouellette, a Member of Parliament (MP). Ouellette spoke about Chee Chee's importance as an artist.
Ouellette said that Chee Chee was one of Canada's best artists. He noted that Chee Chee was a proud Anishnabeg (another name for Ojibwe people). Chee Chee used simple lines, often painting with acrylics on paper. He believed his art showed the present, not the past. Ouellette explained that Chee Chee's works, like his painting of four geese, can represent different stages of life moving together. Even though Chee Chee died tragically, his art still inspires people today.
Anthony Rota, who is the Speaker of the House of Commons and an MP, announced good news for Chee Chee's legacy. The Canadian government is investing $97,200 in the Temiskaming Art Gallery. This money will help the "Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy Tour" travel to communities in Northern Ontario for three years. This funding helps preserve Indigenous culture and supports the government's commitment to reconciliation. Reconciliation means working to build better relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
There is also a park named after him, Benjamin Chee Chee Park, in Milton, Ontario.
