Through a series of fifty-one large “story robes,” Jut-ke-Nay Hazel Wilson shares a grand narrative of Haida origins, resistance, and perseverance in the face of colonialism, and of life as it has been lived on Haida Gwaii since time immemorial.
Buy Book“Hazel was a matriarch, artist, and Storyteller. Thomas King once wrote, “The truth about stories is, that’s all we are.” To experience Hazel’s work is to learn a story within a story: the past as taught by her Elders; the life she herself experienced within these narratives; and a glimpse of our storied future, which we will build by upholding our own responsibilities to Haida Gwaii, the Supernatural, and each other.”
—Jisgang Nika Collison, in Glory and Exile
Glory and Exile: Haida History Robes of Jut-ke-Nay Hazel Wilson marks the first time this monumental cycle of ceremonial robes by the Haida artist Jut-Ke-Nay (The One People Speak Of)—also known as Hazel Anna Wilson—is viewable in its entirety. On 51 large blankets, Wilson uses painted and appliquéd imagery to combine traditional stories, autobiography, and commentary on events such as smallpox epidemics and environmental destruction into a grand narrative that celebrates the resistance and survival of the Haida people, while challenging the colonial histories of the Northwest Coast.
Of the countless robes Wilson created over fifty-plus years, she is perhaps best known for The Story of K’iid K’iyaas, a series about the revered tree made famous by John Vaillant’s 2005 book The Golden Spruce. But her largest and most important work is the untitled series of blankets featured here. Wilson always saw these works as public art, to be widely seen and, importantly, understood. In addition to essays by Robert Kardosh and Robin Laurence, the volume features texts about each robe by Wilson herself; her words amplify the power of her striking imagery by offering historical and personal context for the people, characters, and places that live within her colossal work. Glory and Exile, which also features personal recollections by Wilson’s daughter Kūn Jaad Dana Simeon, her brother Allan Wilson, and Haida curator and artist Nika Collison, is a fitting tribute to the breathtaking achievements of an artist whose vision will help Haida knowledge persist for many generations to come.
New books celebrate West Coast Indigenous art
Beautiful books are important historical records of Northwest Coastal art
“The book is a great way to see and appreciate the scope of Wilson’s work.”
“These textiles are phenomenal and significant. Where else are stories told so explicitly through textiles?”
Art Books 2022
“This coffee table-style book . . . is a fitting tribute to the unique and breathtaking art of a woman who, in Robert Kardosh’s words, “fought to maintain Haida identity and values in the face of an assault on their traditions, lands, and ways of being.””
“Her “history robes” display her originality of expression and celebrate the strength and resilience of her people and culture.”
“Offers in-depth and sensitive portraits of the artist as well as insights into survivance of Haida values and creative expression on the Northwest coast.”
Book Launch
November 5, 4:30PM–6:30PM
Ceremony and remarks 5:00PM
Marion Scott Gallery
2423 Granville Street, Vancouver