Frederick R. McDonald

a Woodland Cree painter born in Fort McMurray, Alberta, is concerned about the written and visual history of his people. He uses his art to communicate the culture and spirituality of his ancest...

Ancestral Portraits

Frederick R. McDonald

Ancestral Portraits is a celebration of a rich Cree heritage, a retrospective of the art and life of Frederick R. McDonald, one of the most exciting Alberta First Nations artists working today. With one foot in the world of his ancestral peoples and the other in the realm of contemporary Canadian society, McDonald paints from a unique perspective, using his art to convey a First Nations message to viewers and readers.

“Fred’s work captures the essence of the bush economy in the homelands of the Fort McKay people in northeastern Alberta. He paints with a chromatic true vision that cuts to the bone. The narrative spine of his work is like the Athabasca River, rich in content, fast flowing, and never ending.” -Mike Robinson, President and CEO, Glenbow Museum

Contents:
In the Beginning
Thoughts on First Nation's Art, Some on Politics
Influences Two, High School and Beyond
On the Art of Travelling
Worldly Encounters 1: Canada
Worldly Encounters 2: Australia
Segregations / Reservations
On Personal Promises

University of Calgary Press