Kent Monkman Auctions One of His Drawings to Support Toronto’s Indigenous Communities

HYPERALLERGIC
By Valentina Di Liscia

Kent Monkman, “kâ wâsihkopayicik (the ones who shine)” (2008), graphite on acid-free paper, 14 x 17 inches (all images courtesy Kent Monkman Studio)

A 2018 study by Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC) found that there are between 45,000 and 60,000 Indigenous adults in Toronto — and 87% of them fall below Canada’s low-income cut-off. Kent Monkman, a Canadian artist of Cree descent, is auctioning an original drawing to benefit the advocacy nonprofit, highlighting the urgent needs of Aboriginal people during the pandemic and beyond. The sale is taking place entirely on Monkman’s Instagram account — no gallery, auction house, or intermediary. Interested potential buyers can place their bids directly on Monkman’s post in increments of at least $10. Since the sale went live on Monday, bids have steadily climbed, with the highest offer currently at $3,000. [More]