Ikigai - Never Above Nor Below - Limited Edition Print
Ikigai - Never Above Nor Below - Limited Edition Print
22" x 30"
Ed. of 40
Limited edition of 40 hand-pulled silkscreen prints sold exclusively through Lattimer Gallery.
This print is titled Ikigai which is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being". The words in white read “Never Above Nor Below” and the bold black lettering reads “We Are All One”. This print is a call for reason and equality during these tumultuous times.
Created in collaboration with Vancouver’s Hypha Project, partial proceeds from the sale of this print will help support the Urban Native Youth Association. The artist, KC Hall, partners with UNYA, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous youth through over twenty prevention-focused programs, by providing art programs.
It is printed by Vancouver’s own Malaspina Printmakers on 100% Stonehenge cotton rag archival paper with two deckle edges, 250 gsm. This print is signed by the artist (lower right), numbered (lower left), "HYPHA PROJECT" blind embossed stamped (lower middle), and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Cris Ohama (Hypha Project curator).
KC Hall
CULTURAL GROUP:
Heiltsuk
BORN:
May 26, 1986
BIRTHPLACE:
Bella Bella, BC
KC Hall was born in Bella Bella, BC, and was raised in East Vancouver since he was two years old. He is the grandson of hereditary Chief Irene (Wakas) Brown. At a very young age, KC always had an interest in illustration. In high school, KC developed a passion for handwriting, lettering, and graffiti. After graduating from high school, he began creating work on a larger scale, including paintings and drawings. In February of 2012, KC studied with Nisga’a artist Robert Tait in the Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts Program at Native Education College in Vancouver, BC. The course inspired KC as an artist since he was introduced to Northwest Coast formline, and he instantly fell in love with the visual language. In 2016, KC designed and presented a blanket to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge while the royals were on a visit to BC. Currently, KC is creating work that combines both his style of graffiti and the art of his people and formline design, while still following the traditions of both intricate forms. In 2017, Lattimer Gallery hosted an exhibition titled Hálúɫ (Fresh) which featured the work of KC and fellow Heiltsuk artist Dean Hunt. In 2020, KC was commissioned by Foot Locker to create a lightbox installation titled House of Hoops for locations across Western Canada. In 2022, in collaboration with three other artists, KC designed The Runners mural, commissioned to celebrate the Niagara Canada Summer Games. It was painted on the Canada Steamship Lines Welland bulk carrier ship. On September 5, 2024, Pacific Coastal Airlines unveiled a new tail art in partnership with K.C., depicting an eagle and a wolf on one side, and a raven and whale on the other side, representing the four crests of the Heiltsuk Nation. In October 2024, KC designed and painted a housefront in his hometown of Bella Bella in traditional Heiltsuk formline.
