Indigenous History In Colour

In his concept-driven practice, Luke Parnell creates new approaches to Northwest Coast oral histories and formline traditions, drawing inspiration from his mixed Nisga’a and Haida heritage. Through paintings, sculptures, mixed-media installations and performance, he has explored contemporary social and political issues along with transformation narratives, his brilliant palette innovated from pop culture. Parnell’s art education spans cultures and institutions too, from apprenticing with a NWC master carver to earning a master’s of applied arts from Emily Carr University. He currently teaches at OCAD University, in Toronto.