Indian Group 7 Analysis

The Indian Group of Seven was a very influential and groundbreaking group of First Nations professional artists. The members of the group were Jackson Beardy, Eddy Cobiness, Norval Morriseau, Carl Ray, Joseph Sanchez, Daphne Odjig, and Alex Janvier. This circle was created in 1972 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The members of the Indian Group of Seven each had a unique early life. Jackson Beardy was born in Manitoba on July 24, 1944. When he was 7, he was sent to a residential school. He felt isolated from the mainstream culture, as well as detached from his First Nations heritage. Alcohol caused him to struggle with health issues for his whole life. Carl Ray was born in Ontario in 1943. He was sent to a residential school, and left at the age of 15
Each member developed their own artistic style early on in their lives. Their preferences were influenced by their exposure to different ways of life. Jackson Beardy and Norval Morriseau painted on bark due to the native traditions passed on by their grandparents. Eddy Cobiness was influenced by Picasso’s art in which he used thin lines and little colour. Carl Ray was influenced by Norval Morriseau’s style. They both utilized thick outlines and organic or simplified shapes. Joe Sanchez had a very abstract style, and his style was affected by Daphne’s work. Janvier painted very abstract art. Daphne was influenced by Anishinaabe traditions, as well as European artists. As a group, they were each influenced to create art together due to their anger and disappointment at the insufficient opportunities for First Nations artists. The Indian Group of Seven wanted to create a cultural shift. Indigenous art was only viewed as a “historical fossil” only meant for museums. This group wanted First Nations artists to be recognized deservingly in art galleries, awards, scholarships, etc. The group wanted to create art exhibits, and donate the profit to create them. These aspirations influenced the Indian Group of Seven, and they began to meet in Daphne Odjig’s shop to discuss these
Their art was very diverse because of the many techniques and mediums which were utilized by each artist. The art has a variance in aesthetics, yet it remained complementary. For example, Norval Morriseau’s brilliant colours, Janvier’s nonrepresentational style, and Daphne’s strong outlines created a truly unequaled art piece. The contrast within the art, and its ability to be harmonious with each other, is one of the most astonishing aspects of the Indian Group of Seven’s works. A second element of the group’s art which was very unique was its ability to be thought-provoking and fascinating. The art allowed the mainstream culture to become exposed to the sacred traditions, and beliefs of the First Nations people, which were not supported by government and other institutions. The group was able to validate Aboriginal art as part of the present and the future, not only the past. The work of the Indian Group of Seven offered an opportunity to showcase unprecedented artwork, and paved a way for a new generation of First Nations