Triple K Co-operative
Encyclopedia
Triple K Co-operative Incorporated was a Canadian Native
-run silk-screen company
in Red Lake
, Ontario
that produced high quality limited editions of several artist within the “Woodland school of Art
” from 1973 till early 1980s.
Triple K was based upon artistic control
, self-representation, and self-determination, representing one another and themselves on their own terms, instead of by non-Aboriginal
organizations that might have tried to take advantage. It was related to the ideas of the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
”, better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
” which established around the same time.
The name “Triple K” relates to the last name of the three founders and brothers Joshim Kakegamic, Henry Kakegamic and Goyce Kakegamic. Besides their own art work, they made editions for others artist as well like Barry Peters, Paddy Peters, Saul Williams
, and their brother-in-law Norval Morrisseau
.
art scene at the Pollock Gallery. He was the first Aboriginal artist to have work shown in a contemporary
art gallery
, where his bright, stylized Ojibwa
spiritual images were very well received and the contemporary Woodland school of Art
was born.
Norval Morrisseau was married Harriet Kakegamic who had three brothers, Henry, Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic. As artists, Goyce and Joshim were highly influenced by their brother-in-law Norval Morrisseau, and other artists such as Daphne Odjig
. They began painting in their teens, and by the early 1970s, when they were in their twenties, became recognized as professional
artists in their own right.
At that time, Native artists were almost completely excluded from the mainstream art community seventies, with exception of Norval Morrisseau. The then called “Indian art
exhibitions”, took place primarily in museums of anthropology
. To change this position, Native artist took control over their own business
affairs in the art worlds, in controlling what had become a tawdry, government
-run souvenir business in Indian art and craft
, and in managing the image of Native people in Canada. Artist Daphne Odjig
was a driven force in these activities. She undertook several actions in the beginning of the 1970s including the creation of Indian Prints of Canada Ltd (1970) a Native-controlled print co-operative, the opening of probably the first Aboriginal artist-run ‘Warehouse Gallery’ (1974) and she initiated the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
” (1973), better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
”. The last were collectively concerned with copyright
issues, art markets, and the politics
of the art world at that time.
In the fall of 1973, within the spirit
of the age and after learning printmaking
techniques at Open Studio in Toronto
, Joshim and Goyce and their brother Henry opened the Triple K Co-operative Incorporated, with government support, in a modest building on Howey Street in Red Lake, Ontario.
In the first year of operation they reproduced a number of unlimited editions on cloth and paper
. The artist who contributed most of the work were Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic. With the growing reputations of the artists already involved and with the printing of some works by Norval Morrisseau, it became essential to maintain a certain standard. Therefore Triple K decided only to begin printing original limited editions prints. “Original” in the sense that all prints at Triple K were made from drawings designed specifically for the silk-screen process by the artist. The artist was also involved in every step in the process.
At the start of the co-operative Triple K exhibited their productions wherever possible and by the end of that decade they had sold work to forty leading galleries. From 15 May till 30 June 1977 the Royal Ontario Museum
exhibited “Contemporary Native Art of Canada – Silk screens from the Triple K Co-operative, Red Lake, Ontario”.
By its success of producing high quality art prints which were both affordable and available, the art of the artist involved was made available throughout Canada and the international art world. Besides artwork of the Kakegamic brothers, they produced work of other artists as well, like Barry Peters, Paddy Peters, Saul Williams
, and Norval Morrisseau
.
Triple K paved a path for Native artistic control and disbanded in early 1980s.
organizations that might have tried to take advantage. They were part of a movement
that provided opportunities for artists, such as inclusion in galleries, access to fine arts education
, and the creation of Aboriginal artist-run organizations. This movement also included the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
”, better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
” which established around the same time.
Indigenous peoples
Indigenous peoples are ethnic groups that are defined as indigenous according to one of the various definitions of the term, there is no universally accepted definition but most of which carry connotations of being the "original inhabitants" of a territory....
-run silk-screen company
Company
A company is a form of business organization. It is an association or collection of individual real persons and/or other companies, who each provide some form of capital. This group has a common purpose or focus and an aim of gaining profits. This collection, group or association of persons can be...
in Red Lake
Red Lake
-Lakes:*in the United States**Red Lake , the largest lake entirely within the state**Red Lake , a lake in Orlando, Florida**Red Lake **Red Lake *Rotsee , in Switzerland...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
that produced high quality limited editions of several artist within the “Woodland school of Art
Woodlands Style
The Woodland School Of Art, also named Woodlands style, Woodlands School, or Anishnabe painting, is a genre of painting among First Nations and Native American artists from the Great Lakes area - including northern Ontario and southwestern Manitoba...
” from 1973 till early 1980s.
Triple K was based upon artistic control
Artistic control
Artistic control or Creative Control is a term commonly used in media production, such as movies, television, and music production. A person with artistic control has the authority to decide how the final product will appear. In movies, this commonly refers to the authority to decide on the final...
, self-representation, and self-determination, representing one another and themselves on their own terms, instead of by non-Aboriginal
Aboriginal peoples in Canada
Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada and are commonly considered pejorative....
organizations that might have tried to take advantage. It was related to the ideas of the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
”, better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
” which established around the same time.
The name “Triple K” relates to the last name of the three founders and brothers Joshim Kakegamic, Henry Kakegamic and Goyce Kakegamic. Besides their own art work, they made editions for others artist as well like Barry Peters, Paddy Peters, Saul Williams
Saul Williams
Saul Stacey Williams is an American poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his leading role in the 1998 independent film Slam.-Biography:...
, and their brother-in-law Norval Morrisseau
Norval Morrisseau
Norval Morrisseau, CM , also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Aboriginal Canadian artist. Known as the "Picasso of the North", Morrisseau created works depicting the legends of his people, the cultural and political tensions between native Canadian and European traditions, his existential...
.
History
The basis for the founding of Triple K started in the 1962, when Norval Morrisseau hit the TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
art scene at the Pollock Gallery. He was the first Aboriginal artist to have work shown in a contemporary
Contemporary art
Contemporary art can be defined variously as art produced at this present point in time or art produced since World War II. The definition of the word contemporary would support the first view, but museums of contemporary art commonly define their collections as consisting of art produced...
art gallery
Art gallery
An art gallery or art museum is a building or space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art.Museums can be public or private, but what distinguishes a museum is the ownership of a collection...
, where his bright, stylized Ojibwa
Ojibwa
The Ojibwe or Chippewa are among the largest groups of Native Americans–First Nations north of Mexico. They are divided between Canada and the United States. In Canada, they are the third-largest population among First Nations, surpassed only by Cree and Inuit...
spiritual images were very well received and the contemporary Woodland school of Art
Woodlands Style
The Woodland School Of Art, also named Woodlands style, Woodlands School, or Anishnabe painting, is a genre of painting among First Nations and Native American artists from the Great Lakes area - including northern Ontario and southwestern Manitoba...
was born.
Norval Morrisseau was married Harriet Kakegamic who had three brothers, Henry, Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic. As artists, Goyce and Joshim were highly influenced by their brother-in-law Norval Morrisseau, and other artists such as Daphne Odjig
Daphne Odjig
Daphne Odjig, CM, LL.D. , is an influential Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potawatomi-English heritage. Her many awards include the Order of Canada and the Governor General's Award. Her painting is often characterized as Woodlands Style...
. They began painting in their teens, and by the early 1970s, when they were in their twenties, became recognized as professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
artists in their own right.
At that time, Native artists were almost completely excluded from the mainstream art community seventies, with exception of Norval Morrisseau. The then called “Indian art
Indian art
Indian Art is the visual art produced on the Indian subcontinent from about the 3rd millennium BC to modern times. To viewers schooled in the Western tradition, Indian art may seem overly ornate and sensuous; appreciation of its refinement comes only gradually, as a rule. Voluptuous feeling is...
exhibitions”, took place primarily in museums of anthropology
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
. To change this position, Native artist took control over their own business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
affairs in the art worlds, in controlling what had become a tawdry, government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
-run souvenir business in Indian art and craft
Craft
A craft is a branch of a profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. In historical sense, particularly as pertinent to the Medieval history and earlier, the term is usually applied towards people occupied in small-scale production of goods.-Development from the past until...
, and in managing the image of Native people in Canada. Artist Daphne Odjig
Daphne Odjig
Daphne Odjig, CM, LL.D. , is an influential Canadian First Nations artist of Odawa-Potawatomi-English heritage. Her many awards include the Order of Canada and the Governor General's Award. Her painting is often characterized as Woodlands Style...
was a driven force in these activities. She undertook several actions in the beginning of the 1970s including the creation of Indian Prints of Canada Ltd (1970) a Native-controlled print co-operative, the opening of probably the first Aboriginal artist-run ‘Warehouse Gallery’ (1974) and she initiated the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
” (1973), better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
”. The last were collectively concerned with copyright
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
issues, art markets, and the politics
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
of the art world at that time.
In the fall of 1973, within the spirit
Spirit
The English word spirit has many differing meanings and connotations, most of them relating to a non-corporeal substance contrasted with the material body.The spirit of a living thing usually refers to or explains its consciousness.The notions of a person's "spirit" and "soul" often also overlap,...
of the age and after learning printmaking
Printmaking
Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints with an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction of a painting. Except in the case of monotyping, the process is capable...
techniques at Open Studio in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Joshim and Goyce and their brother Henry opened the Triple K Co-operative Incorporated, with government support, in a modest building on Howey Street in Red Lake, Ontario.
In the first year of operation they reproduced a number of unlimited editions on cloth and paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
. The artist who contributed most of the work were Joshim and Goyce Kakegamic. With the growing reputations of the artists already involved and with the printing of some works by Norval Morrisseau, it became essential to maintain a certain standard. Therefore Triple K decided only to begin printing original limited editions prints. “Original” in the sense that all prints at Triple K were made from drawings designed specifically for the silk-screen process by the artist. The artist was also involved in every step in the process.
At the start of the co-operative Triple K exhibited their productions wherever possible and by the end of that decade they had sold work to forty leading galleries. From 15 May till 30 June 1977 the Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of world culture and natural history in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With its main entrance facing Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto, the museum is situated north of Queen's Park and east of Philosopher's Walk in the University of Toronto...
exhibited “Contemporary Native Art of Canada – Silk screens from the Triple K Co-operative, Red Lake, Ontario”.
By its success of producing high quality art prints which were both affordable and available, the art of the artist involved was made available throughout Canada and the international art world. Besides artwork of the Kakegamic brothers, they produced work of other artists as well, like Barry Peters, Paddy Peters, Saul Williams
Saul Williams
Saul Stacey Williams is an American poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his leading role in the 1998 independent film Slam.-Biography:...
, and Norval Morrisseau
Norval Morrisseau
Norval Morrisseau, CM , also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Aboriginal Canadian artist. Known as the "Picasso of the North", Morrisseau created works depicting the legends of his people, the cultural and political tensions between native Canadian and European traditions, his existential...
.
Triple K paved a path for Native artistic control and disbanded in early 1980s.
Political and social ideals
Triple K was based upon artistic control, self-representation, and self-determination – representing one another and themselves on their own terms, instead of by non-AboriginalAboriginal peoples in Canada
Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada and are commonly considered pejorative....
organizations that might have tried to take advantage. They were part of a movement
Social movement
Social movements are a type of group action. They are large informal groupings of individuals or organizations focused on specific political or social issues, in other words, on carrying out, resisting or undoing a social change....
that provided opportunities for artists, such as inclusion in galleries, access to fine arts education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, and the creation of Aboriginal artist-run organizations. This movement also included the "Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporated
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
”, better known as the “Indian Group of Seven
Indian Group of Seven
The Professional Native Indian Artists Incorporation, better known as the Indian Group of Seven, was a group of professional Indian artist from Canada, founded in November 1973....
” which established around the same time.
External links
- Seventh Generation Gallery "Native Contemporary Canadian Art Gallery" in the Netherlands, including Triple K silk-screens and artists.