Dream Invaders marks the third exhibition by Fort Simpson artist John Sabourin that the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver has had the pleasure to present.  His work is always eagerly anticipated here at the gallery and by his legion of fans.  John explores his Dehcho-Dene First Nation heritage and that tradition continues with this current body of work.

 

The visual impact of John’s work not only speaks of his artistic gifts but also of the intrigue of Dene legend and storytelling.  John describes how a cast of characters, primarily raven and eagle, invade his dreams and drive his creative efforts.  The swirling imagery of these dreams is captured as ravens, eagles, foxes and wolves interact with human images in several of these compositions.  They are dreams frozen in time yet filled with dynamic energy and movement.  These visual representations of dreams and oral history allow Sabourin to impart the wisdom of his elders and ancestors through his own imagination, and humour.  The forces of nature, the wind sweeping up snow or dust into rotating spirals, creating intricate patters on the landscape, are also omnipresent in his work, placing man as part of the landscape of the earth.

 

We look forward to discussing the sculptures with you and to answering any questions you might have.