Visual Arts
Peter Pelchat
Generations of bingo players

Part of a series of 8 works, it is a light-hearted view of the strong interest that the crees have for the game of bingo. The grand mother and grand child are symbols of the people playing bingo. In this work, bingo is more important than hunting/fishing and religion (or so it seems). Nevertheless they are protected (framed) by the chief's coat meaning their tradition/culture is alive and well.
Generations of bingo players
Peter Pelchat, 2002
Mixed media/collage on paper, 30 x 40"
Thumbnail of Children at her Feet Thumbnail of Crisis Thumbnail of Generations of bingo players Thumbnail of We are not hares Thumbnail of Family Reliquary Thumbnail of Family Reliquary
Thumbnail of Chisasibi under a low sky Thumbnail of Dark cloud, red cloud Thumbnail of This is Me Thumbnail of Woman napping Thumbnail of Family Reliquary Thumbnail of Family Reliquary

Generations of bingo players

“This is about the unusual juxtaposition of love/protection and the game of bingo(which is THE game here in chisasibi). The depiction of love/protection that the woman gives to the child is framed by a chief's coat (symbol of power and protection) this means that the crees and their culture and tradition are safe.The 3 bingo cards under the woman and child shows that bingo, which stands for material wants is not so important for the crees. the geese,fish and cross are symbols of their culture/tradition. All in all, sure the crees enjoy playing bingo, but their identity is never forgotten.”

P. Pelchat