Plain Red Art Gallery at the First Nations University of Canada 2.37

The Plain Red Art Gallery at the First Nations University of Canada aims to represent Indigenous visual art practices, culture and history currently found in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada and globally. Furthermore, we also seek to create an environment of learning, engagement and critical thought through the exhibition of emerging and established artists that represent a contextual artistic voice.


About The Name: The Plain Red Art Gallery

Although the gallery mandate encompasses a national Indigenous identity, the use of the word “Plain” geographically situates the gallery’s location on the plains.

The use of the word “Plain” also implies that the artwork on display is clear or simple and ordinary, the stereotypical portrayal generally expected of Indigenous artwork. However, our use of the word “Plain” plays with that expectation, as we strive to spotlight the deep, thought-provoking, complex and extraordinary aspects of Indigenous artwork.

“Red” is also layered in meaning. It acknowledges our colonial history where the term has been thought of as derogatory, but we reclaim it to use as one of power. In addition, our use of the term “Red” references the use of the color as a sacred direction and the teachings that come with that color.

The logo brings the name Plain Red and our intended meaning together with its use of the varying shades of Red. This further recognizes that Indigenous people do not fit a homogenous image and these various shades of red reflect our diversity as artists. The headdress itself references our traditions and the FNUniv logo.