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SAM'S collection
Butterflies
Butterflies

Butterflies

Date1977
Maker Robert Davidson First Nations, Haida, born 1946
Label TextRobert Davidson, a highly acclaimed Northwest Coast artist of Haida descent, hails from an illustrious family of artists. Although his earliest exposure was to the carving arts, his work spans a variety of media, both new and traditional. A recognized leader in the revival of Haida art and culture, Davidson has been honored with a number of awards, including the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia In this work, the dominant colors are red and black, which are closely associated with Haida ancestral traditions. The subject has deep symbolic significance in Haida narrative - butterflies bear messages from the dead. This print utilizes the formline design that is prevalent in much Northwest Coast art. Butterflies was created at a time when Davidson was part of the Northwest Coast Print Guild, the group formed to establish high standards for printmaking from Native and First Nations artists.
Object number2013.19.3
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Hatch
Dimensions12 9/16 x 22 7/16 in. (31.9 x 57 cm)
MediumSilkscreen print
Robert Davidson
1972
Object number: 2018.29.27
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Robert Davidson
1974
Object number: 2018.29.28
Photo: Scott Leen
Robert Davidson
1980
Object number: 2019.3.11
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Robert Davidson
2013
Object number: 2013.36
Reflections
Robert Davidson
1977
Object number: 2013.19.2
Robert Davidson
1991
Object number: 2020.4.3
Robert Davidson
1971
Object number: 2022.24.5
Photo: Susan Cole
Susan Point
2006
Object number: 2007.49