Nicholas Galanin Presentation

Nicholas Galanin (Yeil Ya-Tseen) shares a slideshow of his creative art practice: “I am inspired by generations of Tlingit & Unangax creativity and I contribute to this wealthy conversation through active curiosity. There is no room in this exploration for the tired prescriptions of the ‘Indian Art World’ and its institutions. Through creating I assert my freedom.” Nicholas’ work is bold, fearless and critical of the the commodification of First Nations culture in the current marketplace. Prepare to be jostled out of your current assumptions about “Native Art”.

Artist bio: Nicholas Galanin (Yeil Ya-Tseen) was born in Sitka, Alaska, he has struck an intriguing balance between his origins and the course of his practice. Having trained extensively in ‘traditional’ as well as ‘contemporary’ approaches to art, he pursues them both in parallel paths. His stunning bodies of work simultaneously preserve his culture and explore new perceptual territory. Galanin studied at the London Guildhall University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with honors in Jewelry Design and Silversmithing. At Massey University in New Zealand he earned a Master’s degree in Indigenous Visual Arts.  Valuing his culture as highly as his individuality, Galanin has created an unusual path for himself. He deftly navigates “the politics of cultural representation”, as he balances both ends of the aesthetic spectrum. With a fiercely independent spirit, Galanin has found the best of both worlds and has given them back to his audience in stunning form.

Scroll through the images above to view some of Nicholas's past artistic works.