APRIL 7, 1960

KWAKIUTL MULTIMEDIA ARTIST DAVID A. NEEL BORN

Neel, born in Vancouver, British Columbia, began as a professional photographer in the U.S. In Vancouver, in 1987, he took up traditional Kwakwaka’wakw art & design. His father, Dave Neel Sr (1937–61), mother, Ellen Neel (1916–66), and great uncle, Mungo Martin (1881-1962), were all noted carvers. Apprenticing with Beau Dick & Wayne Alfred (1987-89), David soon developed his personal style. His masks were in the 1999 Venice Biennale & opening of Canada House, London, England. His work is found in: Vancouver Art Gallery; Seattle Art Museum; and UBC Museum of Anthropology. Portrait Commissions: National Museum of the American Indian, New York (1992); Mashantucket Pequot Museum (2001–08). Awards: Mungo Martin Memorial Award (1997 & 1998); Canada Council Explorations Grant (Contemporary Mask Series, 1991); Smithsonian Institution (Community Scholar Grant, 1992). His book, The Way Home, was shortlisted for the 2020 Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize.

Sources:
  “David Neel,” Inuit Gallery of Vancouver.  Retrieved 8/9/2021, David Neel Kwakwaka’wakw artist (inuit.com)
Wikipedia
Photo: Kwakiutl-Artist (David Neel), 1/2/2021. Corona Virus Mask by David A Neel. Permissive Use.