Andy Everson
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Andy Everson (born September 20, 1972) is a contemporary Indigenous artist born in Comox, British Columbia. He was named Nagedzi after his grandfather Chief Andy Frank. Everson's artworks are greatly influenced by his Kʼómoks and Kwakwaka'wakw ancestries.[1] His artwork is said to be "magnificent, beautiful and bountiful and presents strong imagery, tells a tale, sings a song, passes on a legend, dispels myth and in general fills the spirit and the body with a renewed respect".[2]
Inspired by his grandmother wanting to pursue his traditional culture, Everson completed undergraduate and a master's degree in anthropology[3] at the University of British Columbia. Because of the location of Comox First Nation that lies on the border between the larger Coast Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw realms, his thesis was heavily influenced by contemporary Comox identity.[4] His extended knowledge in anthropology gave him knowledge about linguistics which helped him create the company—Copper Canoe, Inc that created Aboriginal media.[5]
Early life
Everson began drawing Northwest Coast art when he was a young child. In the 1900s[when?] he actually started up his own career as an artist when he started designing and painting "chillkat blankets" for use in ceremonies such as potlatches. He tried to follow the traditions of his ancestors while also adding his own contemporary style to his art.[3]
Other forms of art
Aside from his art, Everson performed dances and sang songs. These ceremonial songs and dances were performed at potlatches and Everson joined dance groups such as the Gwa'wina Dancers and the Le-La-La Dancers[6] and he formed his own group, the Kumugwe Dancers. In 2011, Everson joined a group of Canadian First Nation performers that traveled to Taiwan to perform in one of the nation's 100th Anniversary celebrations as part of the Global Indigenous Peoples Performing Arts Initiative.[2] Everson has participated in culture events in Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico and Taiwan.[7]
Group exhibitions
2018- Recent Acquisitions from the Southwest
Everson was one of the artists that displayed his work at the CN Gorman Museum from October 3, 2018 to December 8, 2018, located at the University of California, Davis. The exhibition displayed artwork from the Pacific Northwest Coast.[8]
2019- Indigenous Futurisms
Everson was an artist that displayed his work at the Indigenous Futurisms exhibition. This exhibition was a mix of traditional art with a futuristic twist to it.[8]
2019- Abadakone
Àbadakone was a group exhibition at National Gallery of Canada, Special Exhibitions Galleries and Public Spaces from November 8, 2019 to April 5, 2020. The exhibition presented contemporary indigenous art. The exhibition also exhibited performance art and videos.[9]
