The Trickster Shift: Humour and Irony in Contemporary Native Art

The influence and power of the Trickster figure -- often embodied as Coyote -- is deeply entwined with Native cultural sensibility and expressed through wry, ironic humour. In this entertaining and innovative book, Allan Ryan explores the Trickster's presence in the work of outstanding artists such as Carl Beam, Rebecca Belmore, Bob Boyer, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, George Littlechild, Jim Logan, Gerald McMaster, Shelley Niro, Ron Noganosh, Jane Ash Poitras, Edward Poitras, Bill Powless, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.

Gloriously illustrated, The Trickster Shift not only presents some of the most stunningly original examples of contemporary Native art but also allows the artists to offer their own insights into the creative process and the nature of Native humour. The humour -- and the art -- is characterized by teasing, outrageous punning, surprising associations, extreme subtlety, layered and serious reference, and considerable compassion.

Ryan juxtaposes his commentary with that of artists, elders, actors, writers, linguists, museum curators, and art historians. From the images, songs, poems, prose, and personal anecdotes emerges a witty play between text and counter-text that mirrors the Trickster practice of the artists themselves.