Roger Simon
1954-2000
[ WABANAKI LATE ARTIST: 2020, 2021 ]
Seated Woman Nursing Infant - 9.75" x 12.5", oil on paper, #3500
SOLD - Man Under Moon - Price upon Request, 36” x 48”, Acrylic on canvas
Roger Simon was a Mi'kmaq artist from Elsipogtog First Nation. He studied at the George Brown College in Toronto, and continued at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. His work combined traditional and contemporary ideas where he painted the faces of people from Big Cove and other reserves that impressed him. His ideas stemmed from Mi'kmaq legends and stories from the Elders and he interpreted ideas from his culture in new ways. His inspiration came from the beauty of his people.
Simon's painting style was unique and his paintings are greatly appreciated by both the First Nations' and non-aboriginal communities. In 1995, one of his paintings, "The First Car on the Rez" (oil on paper, 1993), was selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Fine Art program for a permanent exhibition of First Nations' art for the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, Russia .
Simon's work was displayed in several group and solo exhibitions and is found in various permanent public and corporate collections, while his murals remain on display in many Native organizations and at the Miramichi Hospital.
Roger Simon died in January, 2000. His death was a great loss to the Canadian art scene and for those who knew and loved him. His art will provide inspiration to others for many generations..