Blake Debassige facts for kids

Blake Debassige was an important Native Canadian artist. He was a member of the M'Chigeeng First Nation, born on Manitoulin Island in Ontario on June 22, 1956. He passed away on June 13, 2022.

Blake Debassige was a leading artist in a group often called the "second generation" of Ojibwa artists. These artists were inspired by the famous painter Norval Morrisseau. Debassige helped to make the style and topics of this art broader and more diverse.

His paintings and drawings often explored traditional Anishabek teachings. These teachings are about how the universe works, the changing seasons, and how animals, plants, and humans all depend on each other. He also looked at the main ideas that are found in many of the world's big spiritual systems.

Debassige often connected these old teachings to modern problems. For example, he painted about the destruction of our environment. He also showed how young Indigenous people can feel lost or disconnected, and how families can face difficulties.

In 1978, Debassige married Shirley CheeChoo, who is also a talented Cree painter.

Exploring Blake Debassige's Art

Blake Debassige's art is special because it connects ancient wisdom with today's world. He used his art to share important messages.

What Inspired Debassige's Paintings?

Debassige was deeply inspired by the Anishabek way of understanding the world. He often painted about:

• The order of the universe: How everything fits together in a balanced way.
• The cycles of nature: Like the changing seasons and how life renews itself.
• Life's connections: Showing how all living things – animals, plants, and people – are linked and need each other to survive.
• Shared spiritual ideas: He explored how many different cultures have similar beliefs about life and the spirit world.

Art for Today's Challenges

Even though he drew from old teachings, Debassige made his art speak to current issues. He used his paintings to talk about:

• Protecting the Earth: The damage being done to our planet.
• Youth and identity: The struggles faced by young Indigenous people.
• Family well-being: Challenges that can affect families.

Where You Could See His Art

Blake Debassige's work has been shown in many places, both by himself and with other artists.

Solo Art Shows

• Debosegai: This special show was put together by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. It was on display from July 12 to September 8, 1985.

Group Art Shows

Debassige also took part in many exhibitions with other artists:

• The Art of the Anishnawbek: This show featured three different views of Anishnawbek art. It was held at the Royal Ontario Museum from March 9, 1996, to Spring 1997.
• Political Landscapes # Two: Sacred and Secular Sites: Debassige helped organize this show. It featured works by thirteen artists and was displayed in two locations in 1991.
• Woodlands: Contemporary Art of the Anishnabe: This exhibition was organized by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. It ran from July 7 to September 3, 1989.
• Manitoulin Island: The Third Layer: Another show curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, from April 3 to May 24, 1987.
• Last Camp, First Song: Indian Art from the Royal Ontario Museum: This show was also put together by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, from June 15 to July 31, 1983.
• Anishnabe Mee-Kun: This was a traveling exhibition of art by Anishnabe artists from the Manitoulin Island area. It was shown at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation from September 15 to October 20, 1980.

Where His Art is Kept

You can find Blake Debassige's artwork in important collections, meaning places that keep art for people to see and study.

• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Manitoulin Island