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This one-hour documentary
profiles the fascinating and paradoxical life of North
American landscape and portrait artist Paul Kane. A
mix of art, history, and exploration, Visions from
the Wilderness: The Art of Paul Kane examines the
conflicting opinions about the historic and artistic
value of Kane's artwork
In 1846, Paul Kane hitched a ride west
via the fur-trade brigades to document what he believed
to be the last remains of Native North American life
"untainted" by European influence. However,
when Kane returned to his Toronto studio in 1848, he
largely embraced the Eurocentric idea of the "Noble
Savage" in both the romantic paintings he produced
and the book he published about his travels. By exploring
the life and work of Paul Kane, this documentary shows
how Kane's art was shaped by his mentors, his patrons
and his passion.
Narrated by the acclaimed North American
native actor, Tantoo Cardinal (Dances with Wolves),
the documentary brings to life Paul Kane's epic journey
and his later struggle as a society artist using readings
from his published book juxtaposed with dialogue from
the "real" Paul Kane. This narrative is illustrated
with spectacular scenics of the route Kane travelled,
dramatic re-creations, Kane's romantic oil paintings
and the authentic pieces Kane sketched in the field.
Inter-woven are interviews and personal stories from
a variety of people along Kane's route including curators,
historians, artists, and descendants of his own family
and the native people he sketched and painted.
48 minutes
Award winner: Columbus and Worldfest Film and Video
Festivals
Purchase Visions From the Wilderness: The Art of Paul Kane
NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE INTERNATIONALLY
In English and French language versions
Canadian institutional/educational
sales
contact McNabb &
Connolly
International sales contact Thomas Howe and Associates.
T: 416.925.3766
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