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Barry Ace

Phat(ense) aka Little Phat

Acrylic on four found skateboards
32 x 32 in.
2005

Ace's early work Super Phat Nish is a series addressing urban Indigenous experience, through the creation of a popular culture icon. Based on the Anishinaabe mythological trickster Nanabozho, SPN is a self-reflexive personification constantly transforming to engage, critique, and indiginize normative settler imagery. The shape-shifting SPN can be perceived as humorous and ironic, yet simultaneously, there is a subversive subtext that levels cultural critique against dominant narratives. SPN reclaims stereo-typical representations to challenge negative racial portrayals through a repositioning that coalesces with contemporary Indigenous urbanity. ‘Super Phat’ (cool and hip) combines with ‘Nish’ (cajoling street-smart term for Anishinaabe) to reference belonging and tribalism.

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We represent emerging, mid-career, and established artists with a focus on contemporary art.

We handle custom framing on behalf of our collectors. We work with trusted framers based in Ottawa. Framing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Quotes are provided before fabrication.

We offer a complimentary service to deliver, hang, and install artwork for collectors in Ottawa.

For all other major Canadian cities we have a list of recommended art handlers.

We provide both domestic and international shipping. Quotes are prepared on a case by case basis depending on the size, weight, and medium of the artwork as well as its destination.

We are located in the heart of the Glebe neighbourhood at the intersection of Bank Street and Fifth Avenue. Metered street parking is available infront of the gallery and 1-hour parking on the residential streets surrounding the gallery.