"Condor Meets the Northwest Coast” by Carmen Redunante (Nisga'a, Tsimshian, Chilean)

Dimensions:

• Framed: 14.5 inches x 18.5 inches

Material: Fine art paper, wood frame, glass 

Design:

Artist Statement from Carmen Paola Redunante:

"The culture of Northwest Coast peoples, which are ,similar in traditional practices, reveals a deeply rooted and beautiful system that organizes and teaches their future generations to follow under their mother’s crest. This is known as a Matrilineal connection. In my exploration to understand this meaning behind a crest design, this artistic project creates an opportunity to introduce the Chilean national animal of my mother’s home; the Condor. The condor is a significant and sacred animal for the Indigenous people of south america . In the spiritual teachings shared by many Indigenous people, there is a prophecy that foretells the union of an eagle flying alongside the condor, which is symbolic for the Indigenous people of South america and north america rising together to bring a change to help heal and protect mother earth. 

My piece, In this prophetic symbol of my cultural background, I surrounded the Condor with the Copihue which is also the national flower of Chile that is dedicated to the Mapuche Nation symbolizing the bloodshed and resilience of the Indigenous people who fought against colonization in Chile. Framing this crest with copper not only creates an energetic connection to both of my ancestral lineages but also performs as a conductor to help amplify the message within my work. As the condor spreads its wings and soars above, within the wings is a pattern hidden in the feathers, it reveals a pair of eyes that appear closed. However, within my piece, this same pair of eyes are now opened to symbolize the awakening of the prophecy that change that will soon come."

This is an open edition art print.

Made by Nisga'a, Tsimshian & Chilean Artist, Carmen Redunante:

Carmen Paola Redunante is a developing artist. Carmen has Indigenous roots from Chile on her mother's side. On her fathers side she is Nisga'a from the village of Gingolx, and her paternal grandfather is Tsimshian from Lax Kw’alaams. Carmen is very passionate about the environment and looks for creative ways to incorporate beauty and hidden messages in her work. She hopes to bring awareness to help preserve our Forests, Animals, and Water. Currently Carmen is working from Wit'set, where she lives with her husband who is Wet'suwet'en. Carmen is in her first year at the Freda Diesing program exploring her identity through art. Making the decision to apply to Freda Diesing has been connected to rebuilding a lost connection to her Nation and seeking guidance and a genuine understanding of Northwest Coast First Nations Art.