Perspectives: the ability to discern the relative importance of things; the state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one; the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship. (excerpt from art exhibition Perpectives: Robert Houle & Tim Schouten)

In an exhibit currently at Winnipeg’s Buhler Gallery (St. Boniface Hospital), two artists offer us some new insight (and perspective) on First Nations Treaty sites in Manitoba, native spirituality and the prairie landscape.

The work of Robert Houle and Tim Schouten look at places, words and spiritual connections as well as issues of trust and accoutability in Canada’s history, where Aboriginal and European cultures intersect.

What does this (or any other art) matter? Because as Pat Bovey, the project’s curator, so aptly says: “culture is a word of many meanings, suggesting both division and diversity… As well it refers to the sum total of knowledge and values shared by society, in this exhibition the people of Manitoba.”

All of these meanings of culture, particularly as it relates to the First Nations experience, are beautifully and simultaneously expressed in Houle’s drawings and Schouten’s encaustic paintings.

Why go see this exhibit?

Because this, like other art, gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own history, beauty and spirituality.

Because art helps us look at who we are, who we have been and who we imagine ourselves capable of being.

Again, as Bovey sums it up, “Houle and Schouten simultaneously provide us with a challenge, the opportunity to understand the multi-layered meaning of culture with the hope of ensuring a richer, postive future.”

What more is there to say?

Get yee to an art gallery… and get some new perspective.

(Perspectives: Robert Houle & Tim Schouten runs Oct. 1, 2009 – Jan. 17, 2010 at the charming and intimate Buhler Gallery on the main floor of St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.)