Kent Monkman: Shame and Prejudice, A Story of Resilience

by Kent Monkman (Artist)

Kent Monkman’s new, large-scale project takes the viewer on a journey through Canada’s history that starts in the present and takes us back to 150 years before Confederation. With its entry points in the harsh urban environment of Winnipeg’s north end, and contemporary life on the reserve, Kent Shame and Prejudice, A Story of Resilience takes us all the way back to the period of New France and the fur trade. The Rococo masterpiece The Swing by Jean-Honore´ Fragonard has been reinterpreted as an installation with Monkman’s alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, in a beaver trimmed baroque dress, swinging back and forth between the Generals Wolfe and Montcalm.

The book includes Monkman’s own paintings, drawings and sculptural works, in dialogue with historical artefacts and art works borrowed from museum and private
collections from across Canada.

Genres: Politics, Indigenous

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2018

Reviews

[Jessie Rose M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book with intentions to use it as a text for a study-abroad course I was going to teach before the pandemic changed those plans. The book documents the Monkman art exhibit I was lucky enough to see in so-called Winnipeg, Manitoba in November of 2019. I was floored by the exhibit, by the concept and realization of such a staggering project, by the devastation, innovation, beauty. Not everything is included in the book and it isn’t easy to assess the scale of the works, but I’m not sure how that important that is. The resistance and resilience are clear.

This is an incredibly important book that I will use with students and personally treasure.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a hardcover version of the gallery exhibit booklet with commentary at back.

[Tascha Folsoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful images and essays.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wishing I could see these art works in person. Monkman's art draws from such a richness of art history, cultural knowledge and resistance.