Le Petit Déjeuner Sur L'herbe 2014

Kent Monkman painted "Le Petit Déjeuner Sur L'herbe" using the traditional medium of oil on canvas, yet its subject matter is far from conventional. Look closely at the figures; they appear fragmented, almost cubist, a stark contrast to the classical figures and painterly style. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between Indigenous representation and Western art history. Monkman uses this visual language to challenge traditional narratives and power structures, reclaiming space for Indigenous voices within the historical canon. The painting technique itself, with its layers of paint and careful brushwork, demands a laborious process, echoing the work and persistence required to deconstruct and rebuild these historical narratives. Monkman is not just making a pretty picture; he is actively engaged in a form of cultural and political intervention. By layering these diverse elements, Monkman asks us to reconsider what we value and how we assign meaning to art, challenging the established hierarchy between fine art and craft.