Janvier piece answer to mural
An outdated mural by H.G. Glyde has been hanging unopposed in a University of Alberta study hall since 1951.
Scholar Noor Iqbal has critiqued its un-contextualized display in the essay Civilizing the Warlike Indians: A Confrontation of the Rutherford Library’s Glyde Mural.
Iqbal lucidly addresses how Glyde depicts indigenous ancestors as “savages” to be saved by the white man.
It is suggested that the expensive mural be paired with a plaque to contextualize the painting as a snapshot of how immigrants viewed their hosts. Either that or display a counter mural.
Well 60 years later, the infamous Glyde mural finally has something to answer to.
Directly across from it stands another one that simply oozes elegance and glorifies nature.
A closer look directs praise to a national treasure — Alex Janvier — whose prolific career continues to be so deservedly celebrated. Janvier, who once signed his paintings with his treaty number in protest against colonial policies, is the ideal voice to counter Glyde’s.
Janvier’s piece is titled Sky Talk. It reveals an aboriginal woman, arm outstretched, embracing a mountain landscape that is dwarfed by the soulful howl of a softly sunlit sky.
Unlike Glyde, Janvier reflects a legitimate piece of aboriginal iden- tity. This is not to say that the Glyde controversy in south Rutherford is over.
Many are still unaware of the injurious colonial portrayal of indigenous peoples in mainstream culture because it is so normalized.
From the Glyde mural to sports team names such as the Cleveland Indians and, yes, the Edmonton Eskimos, indigenous people are subject to an identity that is created and maintained by immigrants.
After all, did anyone notice the mural lining the walls of the Grandin LRT Station?
You know, the one that celebrates Bishop Grandin and his role in residential schooling?
Ben Chu, Edmonton