Past Works
Niigaani Mamaajise, or “It Moves Ahead” Hudson Bay Company Legacy Space
Throughout history and to present day, Indigenous people have relied on movement(s) as a means of survival - moving through, moving above, moving ahead of the means of colonization and assimilation. The Hudson Bay Company played a significant role in the process of colonization, a difficult and uncomfortable reality that Indigenous and settler societies are learning to navigate in the journey to reconciliation. In creating this work, many questions arose - what steps must HBC take in reconciling with Indigenous people? How can art depict the hindered relationship between colonial forces like HBC and the sovereign nations of Indigenous people? What is the role of an Anishinaabe artist in facilitating these hard conversations?
This commission landed on the concepts of beauty, resilience, and truth. Indigenous people are beautiful. Our traditions, our language, our ability to shine brightly give us strength to keep moving. We move ahead while honouring our truth, understanding that the truth is hard to bear. Hard truths that are interwoven and inseparable from the path we walk. We must talk about them.
Niigaani mamaajise means “It moves ahead”, a reminder that reconciliation is an action, never linear, and always in motion.
Google Doodle - June 21, 2022
A Google Doodle celebrating, honouring and recognizing the Great Norval Morrisseau.
A collaboration between Danielle Morrison and myself in partnership with the Estate of Norval Morrisseau.
It's a great honour to pay homage on Indigenous Peoples' Day to Norval in art from. He shattered stereotypes and paved the way for Indigenous Artists like us.
Chi-Miigwech to the family and estate of Norval for their invitation and blessing to create in his light. We are forever in awe of his gifts.
"Moving Forward, Together" Bimbo Canada Legacy Space
As part of a five-year commitment to the Downie Wenjack Fund (DWF), Bimbo Canada has created a Legacy Space to build cultural understanding, connections and a path to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
A mural entitled "Moving Forward, Together" was commissioned for Bimbo's Legacy Space at their head office in Etobicoke as just one action to demonstrate their commitment towards reconciliation and addresses Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92 – Business and Reconciliation.
Click here to view the video featurette of the Legacy Space.
TikTok HQ Mural
When I first fell in love with art it was because of David Choe painting Facebook headquarters. Seeing a POC set the mood for a whole building was inspiring. I think I was partially drawn to it because he has a wild lifestyle and that’s what I wanted at that age. Nonetheless, I watched countless videos of him painting the interior and I told myself I’ll be there some day, but represent Indigenous art. That dream came true. I can’t reveal the work I’ve done yet, but I want to share my experience and send my thanks to everyone who helped this happen.
First of all my partner Danielle H. Morrison for being my main hype person and support, and also for helping paint the mural. Was extra special to have her and our unborn son present during this project. Second I’d like to thank Cash Akoza for the mentorship and knowledge of creating a mural this size. The whole process would not have happened as smoothly without his knowledge. Thank you to my parents for always helping me along the way. Thank you to Nadya Kwandibens for coming to the site and spreading good medicine when needed and capturing the project. Thank you to Zahra and the whole team at TikTok for making this happen. My heart is full to see woodland art displayed at such a scale.
About the Artist
Blake Angeconeb is an Anishinaabe woodlands artist who hails from Treaty 3 territory. His first venture into art began 6 years ago during a fun painting session with his younger niece, which has since launched him into a full-time career as an artist. Blake’s primary practice involves acrylics and multimedia on canvas, blending the school of woodlands art with pop culture references. Blake is a self-trained painter with a growing collection of small and large scale works who enjoys collaborating with other artists. He is part of the Caribou clan and a proud member of Lac Seul First Nation.