Christian White Master Haida Artist at the Bill Reid Gallery
byBill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Vancouver premiere of the retrospective exhibition Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist. The exhibition is an expansive examination of the multidisciplinary Haida artist – whose work ranges from intricate argillite carvings and monumental sculptures to ocean going cedar canoes and gold and silver jewelry – as well as his lifelong commitment to the preservation and celebration of Haida stories, songs, and dances.
In addition to a comprehensive collection of White’s artworks from the past half century, the exhibition will feature numerous carved works created in collaboration with eight key apprentices, representing the next generation of contemporary Haida artists.
The retrospective will showcase more than 40 artworks by White in a variety of mediums, including carvings, regalia, prints, as well as videos of performances from White and the Tluu Xaada Naay Dance Group. A member of the Yahgulaanas Haida Raven Clan and son to the late Chief Edensu, Morris White, Christian White and his family have been significant forces in keeping the Haida culture, art, and language alive, including the art of pole carving and canoe building within Old Massett. Now 62 years old, White began carving argillite with inlays at 14 and has been a full-time artist since the age of 17.
Many of White’s works are inspired by traditional stories, which he learned in X̱aad Kil through Haida language classes, books, recordings, and storytellers. Some highlights of his works on display in this exhibition include Raven Copper Shield (1976), one of White’s earliest carved copper works at age 14; Raven Transformation (2022), a large transformational mask that opens up to reveal a series of intricate inner masks; and House Box (2024), the latest in a series of stunning bentwood boxes that will be featured in the exhibition.
As White has dedicated much of his career to mentoring others, the exhibition will also feature monumental works, in collaboration with eight apprentices, including Corey Bulpitt, Allan Weir, Skil Jaadee White, Danielle Louise Allard, Daisy White, Bryce Williams, Vernon White, and Neil Goertzen.
The exhibition will also spotlight White’s role as a founding member of the Haida Repatriation Committee for which he has traveled extensively to help bring home the remains of more than 500 Haida Ancestors, where they are laid to rest with honour in their homeland of Haida Gwaii. White also worked with his apprentices to create bentwood chests for the repatriated ancestors to be honoured and buried. The committee has also engaged with some of the 12,000 Haida Belongings held in museums worldwide, bringing inspiration and knowledge back to their community.
Christian White Master Haida Artist
at the Bill Reid Gallery
- Dates: February 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
- Tickets: Regular admission rates apply (check out the first free Friday afternoons of the month)
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