Collection X

When Carr painted the now celebrated Indian Church, it was painted at a decisive point of her career, when she departed to painting landscapes from painting Indians. It was also a period of great rupture for First Nations across the country. During her time, First Nations were experiencing rapid civilization. Now, First Nations are taking control of the churches, becoming ministers or incorporating traditional practices that are no longer outlawed, such as raising poles.

The juxtaposition of Renwick’s Indian Church series is to imply various connections with Carr’s Indian Church, albeit from a contemporary perspective, in the following manner: that in the first-half of the 20th century, Christianity filled the vacuum created by outlawed spiritual and cultural practices of First Nations; that Indian churches continue to be a paradox in First Nations’ communities, where community members continue to embrace Christianity. Many communities have re-established traditional spiritual and cultural practices into the rituals of the church.