Case Study
Whale Family
MINI Countryman Art Car
Putup Ni’kmaq
(Whale Family)
The 2023 MINI Countryman Art Car, Whale Family, was created by Marcus Gosse. This is the second Art Car commissioned by Business & Arts NL and Capital Auto Group; a project that creates a moveable piece of public art that helps highlight the Explore Art NL public art app, and bolsters MINI St. John’s engagement with the arts community.
Our Role
Business & Arts NL and Capital Auto Group have collaborated on Art Cars in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Our role includes:
Crafting a Call for Submissions and circulating it throughout the arts community in NL
Answering applicant questions about the opportunity
Collecting and presenting submissions to the client
Consulting on the selection process
Helping draft the selected artist’s contract
Acting as a liaison between the artist and client, ensuring a smooth process that adheres to timelines
Collaborating on the unveiling event and communications rollout
The result?
About the Artist
Marcus Gosse (ᒪᕒᐠᑲᐢ ᐧᑲᐢ) is a Newfoundland Mi'kmaq Artist, and a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band in Newfoundland. Marcus' grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (maiden name Benoit), is a Mi'kmaq Elder, who was born and raised in Red Brook, NL (Weibooktoojech) located on the Port-Au-Port Peninsula. In 2005, Marcus was given his native name Papamikapow, which means "Traveler" (He who travels, not only physically, but, spiritually) from an Ojibway-Cree Elder from Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario. Marcus incorporates the ancient Mi'kmaq Star, Mi'kmaq Petroglyphs, Hieroglyphs, and various double-curve designs into the landscapes of his paintings.
In 2009, Marcus' painting titled, "Seeking Mi'kmaq Enlightenment" was exhibited in a group show by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, and is now a part of their permanent collection. Since 2014, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery in Newfoundland has acquired five paintings titled, “Visions From A Sweat Lodge”, “Mi’kmaq Caribou(Qalipu) Soup”, “Shining Bright” (“Paqtasit”) - Brook Trout, “Free Spirit” - Grey Jay (Whiskey Jack) and “Revival” (“Minua’latl”) which displays a Cultural Renaissance(rebirth) in Mi'kma'ki(Mi'kmaq Territory) through Mi’kmaq patterns and the eight-point star. In 2017, Marcus was invited to participate, and exhibit 11 art pieces, in the Canada 150 Art Show at the Macaya Gallery in Miami, Florida. Marcus has participated in several art shows in Atlantic Canada, and his pieces have been sold to art collectors around the world.
Gallery
This digital image wrap titled “Whale Family” (“Putup Ni’kmaq”) displays different families of humpback whales swimming and gathering together to display their love of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). The designs featured on the MINI Countryman are Mi’kmaq Petroglyphs (Carvings in Stone), such as the Mi’kmaq Star, ancient appliqué patterns, double curve motifs, and the Mi’kmaq hieroglyphs(symbols which represent words) for “Forever In Peace.” Each double curve design symbolizes the life cycle of a person, or, living thing. The curve on the left represents youth; the centre is middle age; and the curve on the right represents becoming a senior, or, an Elder. When each of these people, or, curves, is connected it symbolizes community connectedness, pride, unity, and support. It also symbolizes people holding hands, and connecting, not only physically, but, spiritually as well. The whale reminds us that it is not about the destination but the journey. We are all connected on this journey. As we travel, let us support each other spiritually, and have fun doing it. Msit No’kmaq (All My Relations — We Are All Connected).
Artist Statement
Supported by
Let’s work together
If your organization is looking to engage with artists—whether for a single event or a province-wide project—we're here to help. Business & Arts NL’s Brokering Services ensure that your partnership with the arts is thoughtful, effective, and impactful.
info@businessandartsnl.com