The Vancouver Art Gallery on 750 Hornby Street is showcasing the art work by Guud San Glans Robert Davidson in an exhibition called, “A Line That Bends But Does Not Break” till April 16th. The exhibition is significant because it revives the Haida culture, tradition and art. “Guud San Glans” is Robert Davison’s Haida name which means “Eagle of the Dawn.” For over 50 years, Davidson has expressed himself and his culture through his art. This exhibition showcases several graphic works from Davidson and paintings from other local private collections that serve as evidence of Davidson’s creativity to express Haida culture in inventive ways.
Davidson’s deep connection with his Haida culture is inspirational in many ways. His legacy of being a vessel of knowledge to educate people on Haida culture through his incredible art is one of a kind. At the age of 22 he was the person to carve and raise the first totem pole in his hometown of Massett in nearly 90 years. His passion and motivation were to be able to provide his elders with the chance celebrate their culture in a way that they were not able to before.
Davidson is inspired by his familial roots that are responsible for internationally spreading the Haida culture through art as his great grandfather was also an artist who was renowned for his work by the Haida community before the government cruelly silenced them. Davidson’s father and grandfather were also well-respected carvers, and their influence has clearly inspired his work in many ways. Through his years as an advocate for Haida art culture, Davidson has been awarded with numerous honors by the art community in Canada. The body of work that Davidson has provided us with will be admired and studied for a very long time. His passionate and amazingly creative art brings joy and inspiration to many people.