Robert Vogstad

Robert Vogstad (b. 1963) lives and works in Victoria, BC. Robert is part of the generation whose role it has been to revive the traditions of the Haida people. As part of this process Robert worked as a Haida Gwaii Watchman living in isolation with two Haida elders in the abandoned village of Skun Gwaii (Ninstints). While staying on Anthony Island, Robert began to rediscover the culture of the Haida people. In this role, Robert gave tours and talked about the history of his nation. As a result of this, he was given then name Luptaagaa - the talkative one.

From the Artist

Today a resurgence of innovated concepts change the face of the Northwest Coast art. Using traditional forms and stories that comply to nontraditional media is part of the innovation. Native artists that grasp onto modernity seek to express themselves in a new light. Lawrence Paul borrows from Salvador Dali’s surrealistic world to express his own. Rick Bartow uses expressionism to transform man to animal in the moving moment of transformation. The important thing for us to remember is that we can break boundaries and surpass conformity and yet maintain the essential links to tribal roots. This is Neotraditionalism.

Robert Vogstad

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

1999 Tribal Miniatures '99, annual exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2000 Tribal Miniatures '00, annual exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC

2001 Tribal Miniatures '01, annual exhibition, Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, BC