Makwa's Blessing

New photo based works by Claude Latour. Claude Latour is a multidisciplinary artist of Algonquin descent, known for blending traditional Indigenous teachings with modern artistic techniques, including digital media, photography, video, and 3 dimensional sculptures.. Born in 1961and raised in Vanier, Ontario, he grew up in a mixed cultural environment: his father being French Canadian, while his mother being Algonquin Anishinabeg . His matrilineal heritage profoundly shapes his work as a band member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe influenced by his cocomis (grandmother), Marguerite Brascoupé-Budge …a highly respected elder that fostered deep connections to his cultural roots.
In the early 80’s Latour studied Jazz at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia and in later years, pursued formal art education having earned a Diploma of Fine Arts from Heritage College (formerly CEGEP De L’Outaouais) in Hull, Quebec, in 1996. He then completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the University of Ottawa in 2001. Beyond formal schooling, Latour has taught art in various settings, including the Ottawa Public and Catholic School Boards, the Ottawa Art Gallery’s OffGrid Program, the National Gallery of Canada’s Spring Break Programs (focusing on photography and silkscreening), Algonquin College’s Media Design Program having taught Creative Thinking and recently has mentored two Algonquin artists in producing public art benches for Byron Park location in Ottawa.,
With nearly four decades in the arts, Latour has established himself as a multi-disciplinary artist. His artistic creations emphasize traditional and cultural themes, challenging mainstream stereotypes about First Nations communities while advocating for the preservation of Aboriginal traditions amid modern pressures.