The Humboldt and District Gallery opened a new exhibit Donna Langhorne: Common Truths on May 3. The exhibit is vibrant and colourful but tells the tale of a dark past. 

“This exhibit really fills the gallery, it’s colourful, it’s vibrant, and the theme is common truths. The artist looks at concerns and issues Indigenous peoples face, and goes back to her cultural heritage and looks artistically at how we can have conversations about how to move forward,” explained Director of Cultural Services Jennifer Fitzpatrick. 

Langhorne uses Woodland style painting, defined by its bright, vibrant colours, with thick outlines, to incorporate Anishinaabe beliefs and clan structures. Each artwork depicts a doodem, also known as an animal totem, as a beacon of hope and healing for its associated issue, which includes lost traditions, residential schools, drinking water, stereotypes, explained the Gallery. 

Donna Rose Langhorne, an Anishinaabe nation artist, a member of the Fishing Lake First Nation and a lifelong resident of Air Ronge, SK, is a self-taught professional artist since 2010. 

“This project furthered my examination of how challenges facing Indigenous people today can be addressed artistically with reference to traditional teachings and concepts,” explained Langhorne. 

The exhibit travels throughout the province through the Arts on the Move program from the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) and was brought to Humboldt thanks to the Humboldt Area Arts Council, with funding from the Good Neighbor Store. 

The exhibit will be on display until June 23 and can be seen at the Gallery from Tuesday to Saturday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.