C$2,925
Two young Blackfoot braves take a moment in the early sun, studying the valley below.
This original oil painting combines two elements, a map and a scene, both hand painted onto the canvas, based on archival photographs from over 100 years ago.
The hand painted map in the background is a select portion of a map commissioned in 1891 by the Dominion of Canada. The map recorded all reservations under the 11 Treaties across the Dominion of Canada that were being negotiated with the original peoples of the land at the time.
The scene is based on an old photo of Blackfoot Braves in Alberta. From the archives from over 120 years ago.
The combination of these two elements of history creates a narrative that speaks of a time when the land was no longer the free land of the original indigenous people but becoming transformed and altered by the european invaders.
| Exhibition: | 2026 Art Speaks |
| Technique: | Oil on Canvas |
| Edition: | Original, one of a kind artwork |
| Framed Size: | 32in x 33in |
| Unframed Size: | 30in x 30in |
| Frame: | Framed |
| Weight: | 18.3lbs (estimated) |
R E Swirsky (Ray)
Calgary, Alberta
Ray is an oil painter who paints mainly western themed art. His newest work is a series of indigenous are based on the historical maps and images of the Treaty 7 and Blackfoot people.
""I always try to capture the atmosphere or sense of space in a painting when I can. When people stop and stare at a painting for a while, then it has been successful.""