Robert Burke
Individual
Roles
ArtistBiography
Robert Burke was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories in 1944, to a Metis mother, his father was a Black American soldier, who he did not know. At the age of 4, Burke was sent to live at the St. Joseph Mission School. Burke worked as a logger, heavy duty mechanic, and cedar contractor prior to attending the Victoria College of Art, beginning at the age of 53 and graduating in 2000. Burke has lived on Vancouver Island for over 50 years. He has exhibited at both public and commercial galleries. Of his work, the selection committee said, “Robert Burke’s paintings express an energy of brilliant bold colours that defy the sombre memories and historical realities of Canada’s history which he brings to the forefront of narrative. The colours and figures are freed from naturalistic formalities, to convey the celebration of survival and resilience.”Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 2022
Collection
grunt gallery Programming Archive (Artist)Related program
Aboriginal Immersion (Artist)Related Archive, Library & Publication Objects
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