After facing a series of personal challenges, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate Brody Burns (BA’21) never thought he would see his thesis project on display at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Snelgrove Art Gallery this summer.
“I honestly never thought I’d make it to my MFA,” Burns said. “But at the same time, it feels so good having that accomplishment and being able to rest and … really reflect and heal right now.”
These paintings were part of an exhibition, No Words Necessary, from the College of Arts and Science graduate student in the Department of Art and Art History. Since successfully presenting his thesis project, Burns will be graduating at the USask Fall Convocation on Nov. 8.
A Treaty Six Plains Cree artist from James Smith Cree Nation, Burns’ paintings explored emotions and concepts that go beyond the use of words while using acrylic, oil paint and digital media.
In his own words, the figures in his paintings “represent the energy and emotion that connects everyone and everything. Like synapses firing in the brain, information is communicated between all beings physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.”
The concept of the paintings was a way for Burns to begin processing the experiences of helping immediate and extended family members facing serious health issues.
“That was always a challenge,” he said. “It was something that was holding me back emotionally and mentally. It was hard for me to stay focused.