Alan Syliboy
"In the beginning I found painting painful and difficult because I was unsure of my own identity. As my exploration of painting and my understanding of Mi'kmaq spiritualism expanded, my confidence and ability grew with it. Since my family is where I am centered, everything else is exterior. I feel that I have gained the inner strength to conceptualize my spiritualism. Simplicity of line and colour and uncomplicated symbolism now gives my work a cleanness and strength. From this point of beginning I incorporate new themes and mediums to insure my artistic progression. Elements of Mi'kmaq petroglyph records found throughout Nova Scotia provide some inspiration for the developing of my general theme, which is my expression of the pride and understanding attached to our cultural heritage. Most of my subjects deal with family, searching, struggle, and strength. All these things are part of my art, and my art gives me strength for my continuing spiritual quest."
b. 1952, Truro, Nova Scotia
First Nations Affiliation: Mi'kmaq
Painter Alan Syliboy attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design from 1975-76, and studied under Shirley Bear. Incorporated into interiorized images of renewal, Kejimkujik petroglyphs are his inspiration, viewed by the artist as his people's legacy. Syliboy also works in pencil, pastels, and printmaking, and has designed costumes.
R E C E N T E X H I B I T I O N S
1997 Spectrum Fine Arts and Crafts, Halifax, Nova Scotia
1993 Pe'l A'tukwey: Let Me . . . Tell a Story.
Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, New Brunswick; Gesner Gallery, New Brunswick Museum, Saint John, New Brunswick; Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia
1990 Nova Scotia Teachers College, Truro, Nova Scotia
1989 Fraser Memorial Gallery, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
O T H E R E X H I B I T I O N V E N U E S
Manuge Gallery, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
S E L E C T E D C O L L E C T I O N S
Dartmouth Heritage Museum, Nova Scotia
Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
Nova Scotia Teachers College, Truro, Nova Scotia
S E L E C T E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
"Designs from nature." ARTSatlantic 13, no. 2 (1994):14-16. [Review: UNB Art Centre, Fredericton]
"Forefathers inspire Micmac artist (Alan Syliboy)." Halifax Chronicle Herald, 29 September 1989, p. C5.
Gray, Viviane, and Moira Dianne O'Neill. Pe'l A'tukwey: Let Me . . . Tell a Story: Recent Work by Mi'Kmaq and Maliseet Artists. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1993.
Metcalfe, Robin. "Stories from the winter camp." ARTSatlantic 15, no. 1 (Winter 1997): 9-10. [Review: Spectrum Fine Art & Crafts, Halifax]
"Micmac artist Syliboy inspired by nature and Indian legend (Profile)." Halifax Chronicle Herald, 22 September 1990, p. C5.
"Micmac tradition given modern twist (Alan Syliboy)." Halifax Chronicle Herald, 13 July 1987, p. 2-E.
Ochre Man With Silver Star
Artist: Alan Syliboy
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Code No.: AS03
Price: $2,200.00 Framed
Joy and Four Fingers
Artist: Alan Syliboy
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Code No.: AS28
Price: $2,000.00
Two Red Suns
Artist: Alan Syliboy
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 16 x 20 Inches
Code No.: AS27
Price: $2,000.00
Red Spirits on Blue
Artist: Alan Syliboy
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 11 x 14 Inches
Code No.: AS18
Price: $1,450.00 Framed
Red Caribou and Red Clay
Artist: Alan Syliboy
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 12 x 16 Inches
Code No.: AS17
Price: $1,300.00