Opening of Alaskan Native Art Exhibition at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University

February 8-19, 2010

Opening of Alaskan Native Art Exhibition at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University

Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University will host an exhibition of Native American artist Jno Didrickson’s wood carvings from February 8-19.  The exhibition is sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General İstanbul. You are cordially invited to the opening on Monday, February 8, from 5:30-7:30 PM. 

The exhibition features Pacific Northwest Coast-style wood carvings, jewelry and beadwork made by Mr. Didrickson who is an Alaskan Tlingit artist.  Also featured is a photo exhibition depicting Alaska’s wildlife and natural beauty.  On Tuesday, February 9, at 2:30 PM at Mimar Sinan’s Sedad Hakkı Eldem auditorium, Mr. Didrickson will give a talk on “The Nature and Culture of Southeast Alaska” and there will be a screening of a documentary film about the artist’s work and Tlingit culture called “Creations from a Raven’s Tale.”

Biography of the artist

Jno Didrickson was born in Juneau, Alaska, in 1975. He is a Tlingit on his mother’s side, the Luk’naxadi (Raven-Coho).  His father is from the Deisheetan (Raven-Beaver) clan.  His interest in native artwork began at a very early age.  Jno is a self-taught wood carver who watched his aunt and other master carvers practice their craft.  He strives for a traditional look to his original designs by studying older designs.  Since 2001, he has lived in Turkey.  This exhibition, sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General İstanbul, is his fifth.

Pacific Northwest Coast Native Artwork is highly recognized and found in museums worldwide. Often referred to as Totemic art, it has been around since before the first explorers came to Alaska in the 1700’s. Contrary to popular belief, totemic art was only found amongst the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest such as Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian tribes.  Much of the work depicts some sort of animal or mythical creature that was often used as a family crest and almost everything -- from totem poles to everyday items such as bowls and spoons -- was decorated as such.

More information on Mr. Didrickson’s art as well as Tlingit culture can be found at the artist’s webpage: www.jnodidrickson.com.