Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond's new film, 'So Surreal: Behind the Masks,' explores the unexpected connection between Indigenous masks from Alaska and British Columbia and the Parisian Surrealist movement during World War II. The film traces how Surrealists, including André Breton, were inspired by Yup’ik and Kwakwaka’wakw masks, some of which are now housed in major European museums like the Louvre. It also addresses complex issues of cultural appropriation and repatriation, particularly for the Kwakwaka’wakw people, whose items were seized during the potlatch ban.
Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond explores Indigenous masks that inspired Paris Surrealists
Culture
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond's new film, 'So Surreal: Behind the Masks,' explores the unexpected connection between Indigenous masks from Alaska and British Columbia and the Parisian Surrealist movement during World War II. The film traces how Surrealists, including André Breton, were inspired by Yup’ik and Kwakwaka’wakw masks, some of which are now housed in major European museums like the Louvre. It also addresses complex issues of cultural appropriation and repatriation, particularly for the Kwakwaka’wakw people, whose items were seized during the potlatch ban.
Trending- 1 Early 20th century: George Heye acquired masks for his collection.
- 2 1921: Dan Cranmer held a forbidden potlatch, leading to the seizure of many Kwakwaka’wakw treasures.
- 3 World War II: Parisian Surrealists, exiled in New York, discovered Indigenous masks in an antique shop.
- 4 1973: Georges Duthuit, a collector of Surrealist art, died.
- 5 January: Chief Bill Cranmer, who worked tirelessly for repatriation, died.
- 6 June 13: 'So Surreal: Behind The Masks' airs on the CBC.
- 7 June 20: 'So Surreal: Behind The Masks' screens at the New York branch of the National Museum of the American Indian.
- Increased awareness of Indigenous art and cultural appropriation
- Ongoing efforts for repatriation of cultural artifacts
- New perspectives on art history and cross-cultural influences
What: Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond's new film 'So Surreal: Behind the Masks' explores the influence of Indigenous masks on Parisian Surrealists and the ongoing issues of repatriation.
When: World War II (Surrealists in New York); early 20th century (George Heye acquired masks); 1921 (Dan Cranmer's potlatch); January (Chief Bill Cranmer died); June 13 (film airs on CBC); June 20 (film screens at Museum of the American Indian).
Where: Alaska, British Columbia, New York City, Paris (France), Louvre, Musée du Quai Branly, Centre Pompidou, National Museum of the American Indian (New York), Alert Bay (Vancouver Island), Village Island, U’mista Cultural Centre.
Why: To highlight the historical and cultural significance of Indigenous masks, their unexpected impact on a major art movement, and the complex issues surrounding their ownership and repatriation.
How: Through a documentary film that traces the masks' journey from Indigenous communities to European museums and private collections, featuring interviews, cultural performances, and historical documentation.