'Justice' plays on Whittle's passion for an overlap between music and activism. The vibrant bold semi circular drum shapes burst in the background with reds, oranges and blues. Homes and tipis swirl upside down in the centre belly of the guitars, and a red rhythmic scheme pulses across the two guitars like a heartbeat. Whittle references the thousands that take to the streets around the world to protest injustice. Through colour, line and shape, she invites the audience to hear the painting - and to continue to demand justice. There is an encouragement of the use of song, movement and creative arts to set a balance and measure of care for the environment and those marginalised within their communities. The artist’s inspiration as an activist and musician can be seen in this painting. She states: “Music can soothe the soul and also activate the desire to seek out justice or simply to move, to stand up and to embrace our solidarity."
Artist +-
Carmel Whittle
Carmel Whittle is a Mi'kmaw/Irish cultural community visual artist, independent film maker, musician/songwriter and activist. She identifies as Mi'kmaw-Irish, 2-spirit, a queer Newfoundland and Labradorian woman, who has been transformed by: the knowledge of the genocide lands of the Beothuck, First Nation Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador, and by the modern movements of resistance and creation. What she saw in the catalyzing power of youth - such as the Nishiyuu Walkers from Northern Quebec to Ottawa, and the ongoing Idle no More resistance movement - helped her not just to move beyond, but to strive to unite suffering and devastation with strength and hope.
The transformative power of art is the change. Whittle wants the viewer to explore, question, reflect and seek. Her intention is to express hardships behind bountiful colours rich in a style that leave the viewer in a state of inquiry. These works hold suffering and strength; and through her personal journey she wishes to provoke the creation of new realities, new awarenesses, and new forms of resistance. Metis leader Louis Riel said "My people will sleep for 100 years but when they awake it will be the artists who give them back their spirit.” (Louis Riel, July 4, 1885)
Donation +-
Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be given to the No Borders Art Festival.
Artwork Details +-
Finishing: Artwork is presented on a 1/2 inch wooden stretched canvas
Shipping: Delivery duration is 7-10 business days within the US and Canada, 10-20 business days for the rest of the world. Delivery to some countries will be subjected to additional import VAT and duties to be paid to the courier directly.