Franklin Expedition-7

About Franklin Expedition-7

The haunting images of a doomed 19th-century Arctic exploration are the powerful theme behind this series of abstract paintings by Rick Rivet. They memorialize the tragic story of a British expedition led by Sir John Franklin that sailed into glacial waters in the winter of 1845 despite warnings from the local indigenous population, became trapped in the ice and died. In this painting, a corpse in white appears to float in a blue sky, above the landscape and turquoise waters. The dark image of a ship lies on the bottom of the frame; a red line above it appears to represent a navigational path. The abstracted form, expressive markings and paint drippings are enhanced by a rich palette of blues, white, red and black.

“The approach is Expressionist/Primitivist with concerns related to aspects of my Native-Canadian reality and viewpoint. These concerns are expressed in two ways – in relation to the shamanistic/spiritual tradition and the historical/cultural/socio-political/eco-environmental viewpoint in the examination of issues related to my experience.” Rick Rivet

“His blending of Indigenous, source visions with European media, materials, stylistic approach and technique creates a uniquely balanced and informed Canadian perspective.” Viedesarts

Richard James Rivet was born in Aklavik in the Northwest Territories to a Metis family. He grew up on the land and his family lived by trapping, hunting and fishing. Rivet has four degrees from three universities.
He completed his MFA at the U. of Saskatchewan in 1989 and began creating art full-time. Rivet has been the recipient of more than twenty awards, scholarships and bursaries including a Fellowship from the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, and the Andy Warhol Foundation Fellowship Residency Program for the Heard Museum in Phoenix. His work is held in private, corporate, and public collections in Canada and the US.