Dennis M. Bruce

A member of the Muskowekwan First Nation Band, Dennis M. Bruce was a self-taught artist of the Saulteaux (Ojibway) First Nation. Born in Treaty 4 territory, 100 miles north of Melville, SK, Bruce’s vivid painting reflected the influences of various Ojibway artists like Daphne Odjig and Norval Morrisseau as well as incorporating traditional Aboriginal symbols like the buffalo and eagle. His style, though, was more contemporary in appearance with figures (human and animal) sometimes depicted in stylized minimal landscapes or environments like night skies. His flowing lines, deep rich colours and heavy outlines also rendered striking images of warriors, families (mother and child) and individuals he knew. In addition, Bruce could paint on a very large scale. He received commissions to create murals for the Muskowekwan Band Hall (1987), Royal Saskatchewan Museum (Regina, 1992) and from Census Canada, a poster design (1992). After teaching in his home province and in Edmonton, AB, the artist resided in Vancouver where he died in 2000 of cancer.