Steven Brunelle

Steven Brunelle was born in Toronto in 1964 and currently lives in Lafontaine, Ontario. In 2022, Brunelle's work was exhibited at the Gallery of Indigenous Art at the Midland Cultural Centre in a show curated by John Hartman. Hartman introduced us to Brunelle shortly after and then in 2023 we had Brunelle's first solo exhibition, Sun Dance, at the gallery.

 

There are many inspirations behind Brunelle's latest works. This is the first time he has worked with acrylic paint on paper, an exciting development in his practice. His inspirations range from his surrounding landscape and the wildlife in Lafontaine to comic books and the cover art of the records he collects. Having grown up in the 70s, Brunelle has a deep affinity for off-the-wall imagery and bold graphics like the work of Andy Warhol. Brunelle is drawn to including elements that invite room for conversation.

 

Brunelle is a descendant of  the Drummond Island Metis on his father's side, while his mother is from the Kitigan Zibi First Nation. Neither of his parents were raised with strong ties to their Indigenous heritage, but throughout Brunelle's childhood his mother dedicated herself to learning the traditional crafts of quill work, moose hair tufting, and beading design. This has influenced Brunelle's paintings, which demonstrate a fascinating balance between narrative and visual intensity.