Whale Family – MINI Countryman Art Car
Business & Arts NL is thrilled to announce Whale Family, the MINI Countryman Art Car, created by Marcus Gosse. This mobile public art piece was commissioned by Business & Arts NL and MINI St. John’s to create a moveable piece of public art that helps highlight the Explore Art NL public art app, and MINI St. John’s engagement with the arts community.
We unveiled Whale Family by Marcus Gosse through our Sunrise Series on June 13 at MINI St. John’s. Photos by Matthew Myler.
Artist Statement:
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).
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.
This project was made possible by
Our thanks to Auto Trim & Signs, who has been an integral partner in this process, working to make sure Marcus’ designs come to life on the MINI Countryman. Auto Trim & Signs offers indoor and outdoor signs, illuminated and non-illuminated signage, commercial and non-commercial vehicle wraps, advertising and branding services, and window tint and paint protection film.
You can learn more about Explore Art NL here.
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