In Canada, we should entertain a variety of legends. It’s only right, and fair. Kent Monkman’s idea of a legend combines traditional Indigenous folklore with flamboyant whimsy in the form of rainbow and neon colour schemes that, just like the nearly naked central subject of his paintings, are not interested in being subtle or shy. Some of the scenes appear to be like children’s book illustrations, if children’s books could get away with a saucy star like Miss Chief Eagle Testickle …
Bio:
Emily R. Zarevich is an English teacher and writer from Burlington, Ontario. Her work has been published by various magazines and websites, including JSTOR Daily, the Calvert Journal, Russian Life, Oh Reader, and Inspire the Mind.
[IMAGE CAPTION:
Kent Monkman
I Come from pâkwan kîsik, the Hole in the Sky, 2022
Acrylic on canvas
Image courtesy of the artist]