Whistler is a wild beauty in itself- from its vast landscapes to ancient trees to timeless waterfalls. As soon as you step out of the door, you are greeted with an eye full of artistic demonstration, created by Mother Nature herself. In support of creativity, beauty and expression, Listel Canada has remained dedicated to the arts as well as Canadian artists through cultivating a $1.5 million dollar collection in which five of its pieces are on display at the Listel Whistler. Take a tour with us as we proudly showcase our artwork that helps translate the beauty that one might feel and see all over Whistler, into your accommodation.
As you travel through the hotel, you will be greeted by part of the collection when you exit the elevators on level 2 and 3. The bold copper and sheer size of each piece will catch your eye, consequently carrying it through to the delicate designs placed upon the metal.
In 2010, Listel Canada commissioned Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas to create the pieces,“The 4 Coppers From the Hood,” all slight variations from his original hoods. Mr. Yahgulanaas is an award-winning visual contemporary artist, author, and Haidi Gwaii muralist. His influence is by both the tradition of Haida iconography and contemporary Asian visual culture, as noted in the Listel Whistler’s pieces brush work. He calls this combination Haida Manga, his own innovative art form.
In addition to his passion for art, Mr. Yahgulanaas has led Ted Talks surrounding the topic of art and its influential ability to open the spaces between us as individuals and as a community. This is a fitting mantra for his work. A great number of his finished pieces can be viewed in both private and public collections all around the world, including the British Museum in London, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Mr. Yahgulanaas “Coppers from the Hood” pieces use automobile hoods as the foundation. The hood is then covered in precious metal, in this case, copper. It is then painted with the distinctive Haida Manga symbols.
There is more to each hood than meets the eye. In fact, the collection holds a much deeper meaning. According to Mr. Yahgulanaas website, “The sculptures reference both copper shields- a symbol of wealth in the North Pacific indigenous community- and the automobile as a signifier of social and economic status in contemporary society.”
The fine details of each hood can only be appreciated when examined up close, adding another reason to make your accommodation choice that of the Listel Whistler. So come join us in a place where nature, art, and culture all meet- erupting in beauty that extends from your outdoor adventures to your hotel room.