Login | Register

Whose hero? : images of Louis Riel in contemporary art and Métis nationhood

Title:

Whose hero? : images of Louis Riel in contemporary art and Métis nationhood

Mattes, Catherine (1998) Whose hero? : images of Louis Riel in contemporary art and Métis nationhood. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of MQ43534.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
MQ43534.pdf
4MB

Abstract

Louis Riel is perhaps one of the most controversial figures in Canadian history. In mainstream Canadian society, he is often described as a "Canadian hero", a "Father of Confederation", or the "Founder of Manitoba". He has become an icon for various organizations, political parties, and cultural groups in Canada. Although for many Métis Riel is a "Canadian hero", he is also an important figure for the Métis nation. Many Métis use the image of Riel as a source of inspiration in fighting for cultural autonomy, pride, and respect in Canada. Therefore how he is discussed in literature, or how he is portrayed in art greatly affects the lives of many Métis. The purpose of this thesis is to examine images of Louis Riel in contemporary art in reference to Métis nationhood. I use visual images of Riel to discuss the various opinions of Riel, Métis historical and contemporary cultural struggles, and the concept of "nation" in reference to the Métis. My intent is to give a Métis point of view on art that deals with the controversial Louis Riel. I attempt to challenge mainstream opinions of Riel, how history has been written about First Peoples, and various non-Métis perceptions about the Métis. Little or no research has been done about images of Louis Riel and Métis nationhood, and with this thesis I hope to help fill this void.

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Fine Arts > Art History
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Mattes, Catherine
Pagination:ix, 116 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Art History
Date:1998
Thesis Supervisor(s):Acland, Joan Reid
Identification Number:NX 652 I53M38 1998
ID Code:629
Deposited By: Concordia University Library
Deposited On:27 Aug 2009 17:13
Last Modified:13 Jul 2020 19:47
Related URLs:
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top