Alan Syliboy: Public Lecture

NSCAD University Public Lecture Series presents Alan Syliboy

For First Nations artist, activist and musician Alan Syliboy, stories are the threads that tie the Mi’kmaq people together, making them aware of their identity and place in the world. Join NSCAD University in welcoming Alan Syliboy to Paul O’Regan Hall and hear how he addresses the Mi’kmaq’s rich culture and traditions in his practice. Syliboy’s exhibitions “The Thundermaker” opens at the Anna Leonowens Gallery on October 11th at 5:30pm.

Bio: Alan Syliboy was born and raised in Truro and lives in the Millbrook First Nations community. Among many achievements, in 2007 Alan took part in creating illustrations for the novel The Stone Canoe: Two LostMi’kmaq Tales, which inspired him to continue his use of the Little Thunder character throughout his works, even co-writing a song for his band Lonecloud, called Little Thunder.
In 2009 Alan collaborated with Nance Ackerman and Paton Francis to create the animation, Little Thunder for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics using Alan’s interesting and beautiful style. The animation showcased the true magnificence of his artwork and solidified its incredible potential.

Alan has looked to the indigenous Mi’kmaq petroglyph tradition (rock drawings) for inspiration and developed his own artistic vocabulary out of those forms. They are both beautiful and inspirational and speak of a rich culture and tradition. He is currently working on a graphic novel which features Little Thunder.