Chief's Chair
by Qwul’thilum (Dylan Thomas)
Description
A carved bench with the backboard taking the form of a big house.
Artwork Statement
This bench was created to honour the long lineage of Xwsepsum (Esquimalt Nation) Chiefs and leaders of the past, present, and future, as well as to symbolize the important history and knowledge that they carry into the future. With the backboard taking the form of a big house, the bench is meant to pay homage to the enduring culture and countless ceremonies that have been organized by the leaders of the Xwsepsum Peoples though the ages, including the important work that still occurs today. Like the Esquimalt Big House, I hope that this bench will become a symbol of the resilient and thriving culture.
About Qwul’thilum (Dylan Thomas)
Dates
Victoria, BC, Canada, 1986
Biography
Dylan Thomas (Qwul’thilum) is a Coast Salish artist and member of the Lyackson First Nation, through his grandfather, Clifford Thomas. He also has Songhees heritage through his great grandmother, Mary Moody (of the Albany family), Squamish heritage though his great grandfather, George Moody, and Snuneymuxw heritage through his grandmother, Doris Josephson (from the Wyse family). Dylan was introduced to Coast Salish art at a young age because his family continues to participate in their culture and tradition.
Resume
Dylan’s artwork has been published in The Journal of Mathematics and the Arts (Taylor and Francis), and in Contemporary Art on the Northwest Coast by Karen & Ralph Norris. In 2013, Dylan was featured in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s Urban Thunderbirds/Ravens in a Material World art show, and in 2016, Dylan held his first solo exhibit, titled Sacred Geometry, at Alcheringa Gallery in Victoria. Dylan has also extensively studied other forms of traditional geometric art, and his work has been deeply influenced
by Vajrayana Buddhist mandalas, Celtic knots, Islamic tessellations, and many other ancient geometric art traditions.
Website
Details
Artwork Type
First Nations
Year Unveiled
2021
Artwork Category
Community Public Art
Artwork Selection Process
Community: Community Project Civically Funded
Location
Esquimalt