Art Card Mark Nadjiwan Emissary

 

Among the principle Dodems (clans) of the Anishnabek are the members of the Fish Clan, who are said to be teachers possessing knowledge of the world that needs to be imparted to others. However, as fish are relegated to the realms of water, they are in need of one who can carry their teachings to others. This special role falls to Turtle (Makkinak), chief figure among the fish clans, who is able to dwell both below the waters and upon the land. As such, Turtle is said to be a communicator, possessing the ability to speak the languages of all beings who dwell upon Mother Earth - those of the waters, land and air - and therefore acts as an emissary for all.

In this piece, one can see the prominence of Turtle setting out into the world to relay the important knowledge as imparted by all those gathered around her, to we human beings, rendered on the right. The prospect of Turtle as a 'communicator' strikes a paradoxical tone given that they do not produce readily audible sounds, and who, given the apparent absence of ears, were once thought by early science to be deaf. However, later science has been able to determine that their ears are, in fact, internal. In other words, it is this subtle yet vital internal mechanism that helps them understand and navigate the external world. This characteristic only heightens the importance of Turtle's symbol for humanity, demonstrating the importance of the unseen, as the deepest truths about ourselves and our world are discerned through our internal, many would say "spiritual," faculties. And have not the events of 2020 presented humanity with an urgent call to listen more deeply to those beings with whom we share this planet, in order to understand our responsibility in ensuring the health and well-being of our precious home! 

The subject matter and style of artist Mark Nadjiwan are predominantly inspired by his First Nation heritage. He is a self-taught artist, working in pen and ink.

                                         The Artist and the Art
Mark's work can be found in galleries and venues across Canada as well as private collections. His First Nation roots are in the Georgian Bay and Lake Superior regions, and he is a member of Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded First Nation. He continues to live in the Anishinabek homelands, Treaty 72 territory, with his artist wife Patricia Gray.