Artist Oneil Kuku says he feels humbled to have his art purchased for the Provincial Art Bank.
“It is a great honour and privilege to have my work selected for collection and display in the art bank,” said Oneil Kuku. “In a time where motivation is waning, this provides inspiration to continue chasing greatness through creativity and art. I am humbled to be among those selected and I am eager to continue capturing the beauty that is Prince Edward Island.”
Kuku’s work was one of eight pieces selected for purchase by a peer-review jury out of 136 submissions. The art bank acquires, loans out and displays works by professional Island artists for public spaces.
“We are so fortunate to have such a talented and creative community of artists in Prince Edward Island. The art bank is one of the ways Government celebrates and recognizes Island artists for all that they contribute culturally and economically to our province.”
- Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay
The provincial art bank was established in 1979 as a working collection to encourage the celebration of, and public interaction with, PEI’s artistic excellence. Most items are displayed in reception and high-traffic areas of public buildings and are also available for educational use.
There are now 269 pieces in the collection, which is housed in Access PEI sites, the provincial government complex and public libraries.
Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder
Here are the successful submissions purchased for the provincial art bank:
Donnalee Downe
Title: Serious Marital Difficulties
Medium: Cotton on vintage embroidery
Oneil Kuku
Title: Fight for Change (series)
Medium: Photographic prints on archival material, framed
JoDee Samuelson
Title: Auction Barn, Charlottetown, 1980
Medium: Acrylic and water-based oils
Kirstie MacCallum
Title: Ossa: White Skull
Medium: Photographic prints on archival material, framed
Melissa Peter Paul
Title: Resistance
Medium: Porcupine quills, sweet grass, birch bark and sinew
Niyi Adeogun
Title: Black Joy
Medium: Digital Art on archival material, framed
Norma Jean MacLean
Title: Still No.1
Medium: Oil on canvas
Patricia Bourque
Title: L'pa'tu's-Young Man
Medium: Photographic print on archival paper, framed