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Black art in Rankin Inlet
by Jennifer Pritchett
RANKIN INLET (Feb 16/98) - For Jim Shirley, art is simply a personal expression that
is deeply embedded in his roots as a black artist.
The long-time Rankin Inlet artist who started the community's Matchbox
Gallery is in Nova Scotia this week to showcase his work at Atlantic
Canada's first show recognizing the contributions of black artists. He is
the only Northerner to attend.
Shirley said the show will be a monumental event for black
artists who have received little recognition in Canada.
"I think the important thing about the exhibition is it's
the first recognition of black artists," he said. "There are pieces (in the
show) that go back over 100 years."
The invitation to the exhibition came as a surprise to
Shirley, who moved to the North from Nova Scotia in the late '70s. It came
from a young artist who had seen his work more than 20 years ago when
Shirley was a struggling artist in Nova Scotia.
"David Woods saw my work when he was a teenager growing up
and I guess he saw something in it that inspired him to go on and do it
himself," he said. "He was 13-years-old at the time -- I'm anxious to meet
him actually. This came out of nowhere."
Shirley, 53, is one of 40 artists who will be featured in
the show entitled "In this Place -- Black Art in Nova Scotia," running at
the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design's Anna Leonowens Gallery in
Halifax Feb. 15-21. The show is expected to tour across Atlantic Canada
following the Halifax opening. There is also a book about the event planned.
Up to 14 of Shirley's monographs and lithographs will be
shown at the exhibition.
Shirley said getting recognition from a place he lived at
so long ago feels good and looks forward to the opportunity to be involved
in improving the profile of black art.
"It's not just a display of artwork -- it's a recognition
of the role of black artists," he said.
In addition, it's a meaningful, personal development as an
artist that came after years of little attention to his work, he said.
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