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Work is underway on Amy Malbeuf’s Iskotew, her large-scale sculptural installation for Edmonton’s Indigenous art park.
Iskotew is a sculptural representation of the word “fire” in Cree syllabics: ᐃᐢᑯᑌᐤ. The Cree word for woman, iskwew, derived from the word fire. Iskotew references the sacred abilities of women, and the often unrecognized labours of Indigenous women, who contributed to creating the place now known as Edmonton.
The work is being undertaken by Edmonton sculptor Will Johnson, aided by Malbeuf’s maquette, detailed drawings, blueprints and elevations.
Malbeuf, a Métis visual artist from Rich Lake, is one of two Alberta artists to have her work chosen as symbols of Edmonton’s Indigenous history. She is joined by Tiffany Shaw-Collinge, a Métis artist and architect born in Calgary and raised in Edmonton.
Other artists whose work will be displayed in the park are Duane Linklater, from Moose Cree First Nation in Ontario; Jerry Whitehead, from James Smith First Nation in Saskatchewan; as well as Marianne Nicolson, of Scottish and Dzawada’enuxw descent, and Mary Ann Barkhouse, from the Nimpkish band, Kwakiutl First Nation, both from British Columbia.
The Indigenous art park, yet to be given an official name, will be unveiled in 2018. It was approved as part of the second phase of a two-phase renewal master plan for Queen Elizabeth Park in 2013.
