Henry Payer, Frontline Aunty, 2022

METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE 255 FRONT ST W

TORONTO, ON M5V 2W6 CANADA

K Art's exhibition highlighted the works of two emerging Indigenous contemporary artists, Henry Payer (Ho-Chunk) and Terran Last Gun (Piikani). The presentation highlighted the artists’ varying and dynamic use of ledger paper within their art and how each used it to convey a message unique to themselves.  Henry creates intricate patterns and pieces images together, often using found items.  In contrast, Terran boldly uses colored pencils to create precise lines and bright shapes on the ledger paper, often exposing the ledger entries.

Ledger art is a prime example of Native resourcefulness.  At one time, buffalo hide had been a primary canvas source for the Plains Indians.  Settlers and the US government destroyed the buffalo herds, so the Native people turned to discarded accounting ledger books.  They found a way to continue creating and communicating despite the colonized destruction of their environment.

Terran Last Gun, Medicine Source, 2022

Terran Last Gun, Reestablish Harmony, 2022

Terran Last Gun, Visual Energy Continuum, 2022

PDF Presentation of Art Toronto 2022