Corey Bulpitt

Corey Bulpitt, from the Naikun Raven clan of the Haida, is also known as Taakeit Aaya or “Gifted Carver” and was born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. He is the great-great-grandson of famed artist Charles Edenshaw (1839 – 1920) and prolific argillite carver Louis Collison (1881 – 1970). Bulpitt is a wood and argillite carver, in addition to being a painter, jeweller and graffiti artist. He has carved many important totem poles, including a 20-foot yellow cedar pole for Scouts Canada, a 17-foot story pole now at Queen Charlotte Lodge, and a 14-foot mortuary-style memorial, which stands in the 'Namgis burial ground in Alert Bay, British Columbia, carved in memory of his Haida ancestors who died during the smallpox epidemic of 1862. In 2017, he received the BC Creative Achievement Award for First Nations Art for Artistic Excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual art. The use of spray paint has become an important part of Bulpitt’s artistic practice. His graffiti work can be seen in many museums, festivals and urban settings. This painting bridges his carving and painting practices in its use of the skull imagery that Bulpitt originally designed for the University of British Columbia’s Reconciliation Pole, carved in 2017 by Jim Hart - Chief 7idansuu (Edenshaw). The skulls, scattered cross a pink, purple, black and grey camouflage landscape, remind us of the countless deaths of Indigenous peoples due to brutal colonialist strategies in Canada. This work is unframed. Please note: Consignor Hammer Price proceeds of this lot will benefit the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Buyer is hereby advised to read fully the Terms and Conditions of Business and Catalogue Terms, including the Vancouver Art Gallery Art Auction 2021 | Spring Forward HO2 Sale Notice and Special Terms of Sale, and any Addendum or Erratum specific to the Vancouver Art Gallery Art Auction 2021 | Spring Forward HO2 auction.