Art for our time:

Richard Bedwash at the Art Gallery of Guelph

Because of prevailing social attitudes and conditions which still persist today in Canada, a disproportionate number of the incarcerated men at the Ontario Reformatory, more recently called the Guelph Correctional Centre (GCC), were Indigenous. Many of these young men found support in the Native Sons Arts room set aside for their exclusive use.

Arend Nieuwland, recently deceased, was the facility art director for over two decades. His guiding belief was that “art is an international language, like love and laughter.” He also believed in “the spark of good-ness in everyone.” Arend noted that the inmates he mentored supported each other regardless of clan differences. With his support, they also produced some wonderful art.

Arend was instrumental in compiling the “Prison Arts Retro-spective 1969-1982” that traveled across the country. This unique show received coverage by major media: the Globe and Mail did a centre spread, and TVO produced a documentary on the program.

Richard Bedwash was an Anishinaabe inmate at the GCC in the 1970s, and part of the Native Sons program there. Noting his talent Judith Nasby, curator of the formerly- named MacDonald Stewart Art Centre, commissioned this young man to create a series of paintings for the gallery. Some examples of his striking, image-rich art work can be viewed now until August 25th. (Learn more on the art history of the OR/GCC at the YGH website and in our Green Door newsletters there.)

AGG: 385 Gordon St. (at College). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-5 pm

Top: Richard Bedwash, Man with birds, 1977, acrylic on paper. Purchase, 1977. University of Guelph Collection at the Art Gallery of Guelph.