Allen Sapp (January 2, 1928 – December 29, 2015) was a Canadian Cree painter, who resided in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. His art and his story have become known throughout Canada. Many of his paintings feature images of his grandmother. His work and life story have been the subject of a number of books and television documentaries.
Early life Sapp was born on the Red Pheasant Reserve, south of the city of North Battleford."Indigenous reality revealed in Cree painter Allen Sapp's work". Betty Ann Adam, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 6, 2017 His mother suffered from tuberculosis and died during his adolescence.
Sapp was raised by his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Albert and Maggie Soonias. As a child he was often ill and spent long hours in bed.University of Saskatchewan. Indian and Northern Curriculum Resources Centre. Indian, Metis and Eskimo Leaders in Contemporary Canada. Indian and Northern Curriculum Resources Centre, College of Education, University of Saskatchewan; 1972*. His grandmother nurtured him and encouraged his love of drawing, while teaching him in the Cree ways.
He attended the Red Pheasant school, but his grandfather removed him from the school because he needed him on the farm. Sapp remained at home and cared for his grandmother until she died in 1963.
Career After her death, Sapp moved to North Battleford to try to make a living as an artist, selling paintings door to door.The Northian. Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation; p. 16–18. In 1966 he met Dr. Allan Gonor, who recognized Sapp's talent and encouraged him to paint what he knew—life on the reserve. Sapp began to paint his childhood memories, often staying up all night painting. Gonor helped him to sell several paintings to the Winnipeg Art Gallery."Allen Sapp". SouthwestArt. Art Magazine Publishers; 1975. p. 82–84. In 1969, 40 of his paintings were displayed in an exhibition at the Robertson Galleries.Indian News. Vol. 11-15. Indian and Eskimo Affairs Program; 1969. By the 1970s, his work was known across North America and as far away as London, England.
In 1986, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada "for his portrayals of Native peoples and of life on the reserve". In 1985, he was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.Andrea Hill. "Brushed Off: Documents suggest Sapp felt taken advantage of". Star-Phoenix, September 28, 2017. In 1975, he was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
In spite of his artistic success, Sapp's lack of education and disinterest in practical matters led to difficulties in managing his finances. He and his wife continued to live in a small home near North Battleford. He died in his sleep on December 29, 2015. His paintings illustrate the award-winning Nokum: is My Teacher by David Bouchard with music by the drum group Northern Cree.Bouchard, David (2006). Nokum: is My Teacher, Postface. Illustrated by Allen Sapp. Music by Northern Cree. Red Deer Press.
The 2003 book by David Bouchard, The Song within my Heart, Illustrated by Sapp, tells the story of Sapp's childhood. In 2003, he received the Governor General's Award for English language children's illustration for the book, The Song Within My Heart.The Book Review Digest: Annual cumulation. H. W. Wilson Company; 2005. p. 140–141.
In North Battleford, a gallery has been created to display Sapp's paintings.Wayne F. Brown. Sam Steele and the Northwest Rebellion: The Trail of 1885. Heritage House; 15 May 2013. . p. 133–.
References
Other sources Alwin Gallery (London), The Cree Indian painter, Allen Sapp; first one-man exhibition in Europe (London : Alwin Gallery, 1970) Allen Sapp Gallery (North Battleford, Saskatchewan) Allen Sapp Gallery Site-About Life and Art
External links
Allen Sapp in The Canadian Encyclopedia Canada House Gallery Banff West End Gallery, Edmonton, AB