Newman is a multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist, carver, filmmaker, author, mentor and public speaker.
“We are pleased to be welcoming such as esteemed and versatile artist at the forefront of driving positive social change,” said Sara Vipond, NIC Fine Art faculty member.
His traditional name is Hayalthkin’geme. On his father’s side, he is Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw from the Kukwaḵ̓a̱m, Gix̱sa̱m and Wawałaba’yi clans of northern Vancouver Island, and Coast Salish from Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) of the Stó:lō S’olh Temexw (traditional territories) along the upper Fraser Valley. His mother’s ancestors are English, Irish and Scottish settlers.
Newman’s artistic practice highlights Indigenous, social and environmental issues while examining the impacts of colonialism and capitalism by unearthing memory and triggering emotions. His most influential work may be the Witness Blanket, which consists of items from residential schools, government buildings and churches across Canada that deal with of truth and reconciliation.
“There is a power within art and artistic practice to change consciousness, to make people feel things in a different way,” he said in a statement on his website.
The work is now in the collection of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.
As well, Newman was selected as the master carver of the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole, a journey that saw him travel the province to share the experience of carving a 20-foot totem with over 11,000 people.
He also produced Dancing Wind, a panel installation at the Athletes Village in Whistler for the 2010 Olympics. He has made three documentaries and produced work on private commission, including design work, jewellery, wood carvings and stone sculptures.
His Nov. 22 talk takes place at the Stan Hagen Theatre on the Comox Valley campus. It runs from noon to 1:30 p.m. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.
There is more information about the NIC fine arts program, including the Artist Talk lecture series, available at the program website.
