Aiyana Beaulieu

Hello there! Welcome to my humble art page! I am an Anishinaabe comic artist and painter
who seeks to authentically represent Native people through my stories, both empowering and encouraging creative expression! Also while promoting healing through the arts. Enjoy the beauty and obscurity of this world through my art work ;)

Hands Hold Power

I created this piece in response to Christi Belcourt’s piece "It’s a Delicate Balance." In that, Belcourt creates with the indigenous held belief that all life, plants, animals, insects, microbes–are kin. And that all living beings deserve our respect and honor. I wanted to add to that concept that we are all relatives as well as portray indigenous solidarity with Palestinians. I titled this piece Hands Hold Power to represent resilience and the power in healing. Especially in the act of resisting the infiltration of greed and colonialism. Our world is so very interconnected. The struggles, the conflict, the wonder, the arts. When we hurt, others feel it too. This is why Indigenous people stand in solidarity with Palestinians. When creating this and doing research, I noticed many parallels culturally between my people, the Anishinaabe, and Palestinians. Especially in the craft of storytelling through art. Their intricate embroidered clothing, called tatreez, reminded me of the significance of beadwork in my own culture. Another parallel is the connection to the land. Nurturing the plants and honoring each season. I also want to mention that Palestinians stand with Native people and did so in protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock in 2016. There’s this very beautiful unity and mutual understanding that is shared between us, and I feel that is the way of the future. And the same is said for all groups experiencing genocide and displacement. We stand together. I recognize that the same tactics are used against so many people. People of Congo, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine, Uyghur Turks, Rohingya people, people of Haiti, and those who we might not even be aware of yet who are also facing this kind of discrimination. Our oppressions, and oppressors, are connected. In times like these, it is all the more important to listen, use our voices, and take action to support each other.On the left side of the piece, you’ll see a hand of a person who is Anishinaabe, reflecting my own culture and identity. Behind the hand is braided sweetgrass which is one of the Sacred Sisters. It is strong and when burned it works to cleanse and connect. The person is wearing a beaded cuff that features the medicine wheel on it, a sacred symbol that represents the circle of life and interconnectedness. I chose these elements because they coincide with healing. Sprouting from and surrounding their outstretched hand, Ojibwe florals in a beadwork pattern signify the power and love that the figure wields in a good way. On the right side, I depicted a hand of a person who is Palestinian. In the background is a Keffiyeh scarf representing Palestinian identity and resistance. Featured on their sleeve is the Palestinian flag, embroidered, making note of traditional Palestinian Tatreez. These elements represent identity, connection, and reflect historical roots. I primarily used the Palm Tree motif (featured further up the sleeve from the Palestinian flag) which can often represent resilience. Growing around their hand is an olive tree branch signifying their deep connection to their land and beauty of cultural customs such as the harvesting of olives. I was very lucky to have guidance from a newly acquainted friend who shared many resources with me to learn about traditional Palestinian tatreez and pottery. And to that, I am so grateful! I realized further that we do so much with our hands, and it is a choice whether we use them to uplift and create or to destroy. The title Hands Hold Power acknowledges the systems of oppression, military forces and individuals who hold power over others. In the concept that our hands hold power, it represents duality and contrasts those who use their hands to commit atrocities and brutalize others and those who use their hands to heal, craft, embrace and work with the Earth. In considering seven generations, we are then aware of how our actions impact the future. We hold power in our hands by understanding our effect in how we move about in the world, our decisions, our interactions, our relationships with each other and the Earth. As the young people in this world, it is up to us to break these cycles of trauma in order to truly heal. Please take this piece as a reminder to never stop talking about injustice in the world. Together, we can make a difference and show that we won’t give up on ourselves or each other. Children are sacred.
Free Palestine.

"Nobody's free until everybody's free." - Fannie Lou Hamer

When I'm not making art or contemplating the mysterious, I'm being aesthetic by enjoying walks in the woods or spending time with cousins and family.

Social Medias

Aiyana Beaulieu is a painter, comic artist/storyteller, and illustrator most often working in mediums of acrylic paint, watercolor, and pen. She loves to explore all art forms including those beyond visual arts such as film, music and poetry. In her work she strives to create thought provoking pieces, making bold statements and encouraging the viewer to do what most are scared to do: feel. Aiyana creates works highlighting Indigenous identities and experiences in imaginative ways through the use of wild colors and characters. Aiyana hopes to make sense of seeming chaos, by creating peace where she can while also causing just enough disturbance where it's needed.

Exhibitions

Identity: An Indigenous Perspective
3rd Place Winner
Sault Area Art Center
217 Ferris St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI
July 2-July 27th 2024
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Scholastics Exhibition (silver and gold key winners 2023-24)
Regis West Gallery
418 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
June 3rd - June 28th 2024
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Racism as a Public Health Crisis: Youth and Professionals Respond
Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) Museum
May 11th - August 2024
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Senior Capstone Studio Arts Exhibition
Perpich Center for the Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN
March 7th - April 26th 2024
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Beauty in Variety Curricular Show and Beyond the Classroom,
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
February 1st - March 1st 2024
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Falling into Rhythm Curriculum Exhibition,
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
Nov 9th-January 25th 2024,
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We are still here: Indigenous Arts Showcase
3rd Place Winner
Friedli Gallery. 943 7th St. W, St. Paul, Mn 55102
Nov 3rd 2023
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Variations of Self: Exhibition of Studio Arts Summer projects,
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
Sept 7th-Oct 18th 2023,
Opening Sept 7th, 5-7pm, Dance performances 5:30pm, 6:15pm
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8x8 Canvas Auction Fundraiser 2023
Crossing Arts Alliance, 711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN
Reception Oct. 6 2023
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Skate Deck Auction Exhibition 2023
Crossing Arts Alliance, 711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN
Reception July 27, 2023
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ACCESS/PRINT Teen Mentorship Program
Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Uptown Minneapolis, MN
May 19th - July 2024
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2-For-1 Combo Junior Curriculum Exhibition
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN, May 11th- May 30th 2023
Opening reception: Thursday, May 11 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Congressional Art Competition Winners, Nina Holding Eagle-Bushaw (Visual Arts 2023)
and to Lee Greve (Visual Arts 2023)!
May 4th & 5th Congressional Art
Competition
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Scholastics Exhibition (gold winners 2022-23)
Regis West Gallery
418 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Exhibition dates: February 1st - February 25th
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DVD Curriculum Exhibition and Beyond The Classroom Exhibition,
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
Exhibition dates January 26th-February 24, 2023.
Opening Reception: January 26, 2023, 5-7pm
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“Cooking up in the Stew” Curriculum Exhibition,
Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
November 10th- January 20th 2023
Opening Reception: November 10th 5-7pm
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Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN,
September 8th- October 28th, 2022
Opening Reception September 8th, 5-7pm
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Salute to the Arts Member Exhibition 2022
Crossing Arts Alliance, 711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN
May 2022
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8x8 Canvas Auction Fundraiser
Crossing Arts Alliance, 711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN
Oct 2021
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Salute to the Arts Member Exhibition
Crossing Arts Alliance, 711 Laurel St, Brainerd, MN
May 2021

Comics!

Popcorn man

Misc.

Digital Illustration

Children's book Troublesome Bubblegum illustration preview

POSTERS!!!!

These are some posters I've made in the past for school, promoting the themed library book displays. I really enjoy poster making and plan to collaborate with artists and musicians in the future to continue this type of work.

Public Art

'Babe the Waabigwan Ox'

Currently located in downtown Brainerd, Minnesota between 8th and Laurel Street by the Crossing Arts Alliance Gallery

When I first saw the ad in the paper for the design contest for the new Babe statue; it took some brainstorming. I knew I wanted to create a design that was exceptional and inspiring. After some thinking I decided on an Ojibwe floral pattern as a design. The title, “Waabigwan'', is the Ojibwe word for “flower”. I painted the statue over the summer of 2021.The Waabigwan Ox, to me, represents new growth and clarity. For many decades indigenous peoples’ cultures have been skewed into false and even offensive stereotypes. The lack of knowledge on first peoples, the history, and how diverse native peoples truly are, is astonishing. And this really affects one’s perception of indigenous people; for example, did you know there are 574 federally recognized tribes, each with their own distinct culture, language, history, and traditions?The Waabigwan Ox is breaking free from those stereotypes and misconceptions. This design features a very important part of my culture and I want this piece to speak to people, and open their minds. I want to expose others to indigenous art and educate on my culture and inspire.There was a time when indigenous people could not practice their culture. This is a very grim part of our history, but today we are able to practice culture and we will honor our ancestors in that way. This means we will no longer be afraid or ashamed to be ourselves. This piece is also to help uplift young voices and encourage creative expression especially within indigenous communities.

'Taan' Sparky the Sea Lion and Indigenous led conservation efforts

Currently at the Como Zoo Park in Saint Paul Minnesota

Painted in May of 2022, this design features the Pacific Northwest Indigenous formline art, using the traditional colors of red, green-ish blue and black. I choose this design to highlight the way of life of indigenous communities across the world that reflect sustainability. Particularly in the Pacific Northwest Coast and the efforts of tribes there that have been utilizing practices to help marine life and sustain the waters for generations. Within conservation indigenous voices are not always heard, but as the original stewards of the land it’s crucial to recognize traditional knowledge within protecting and preserving the waters. Sparky’s back features an abstract water flow with silhouettes of fish, representing the free flow of salmon, a very important part of the ecosystems of both fresh and salt water as well as the vital importance of clean waters. Many communities rely on the oceans; we must take care of them as they give so much to us.

Projects

HUMAN

ARTIST STATEMENT

We are all connected in our humanness, we share the common fact that we are all a part of this human experience. Under the same sky, the same moon and stars. That our differences are not to be used as division devices but as aspects of our experience to celebrate and cherish. We are one together but each with our own identity that makes up who we are separately.It’s been a common theme throughout history that we separate ourselves from others, especially those in pain or those that have been villainized, dehumanized, and inflicted pain upon. This is beyond problematic, it outright denies others of their sacred humanity and diminishes the idea that we are collectively a part of this experience on Earth together. Which means the humanity of others is also our humanity. If we are not all free then no one is free. One’s freedom does not come at the cost of another.Together we are stronger.I made this piece with the direct intent to remind us of just how close we really are to all of our sisters, siblings, brothers, and relatives of the world. We are all individuals with our own stories, experiences, hopes, dreams, traumas, talents and laughter.Though I only made roughly under 100 portraits on 3x3 squares of colorful paper, I plan to keep adding to this collection. My hope is to find a place to display this piece and even make it interactive for the viewer so that they can connect and explore with it.

The MushROOM Mural

Currently located in the Library at Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley, MN

As apart of our 2D Large Projects and Mural Painting class at Perpich, one of our assignments was being commissioned by a staff member at our school and painting a mural in groups! I was really excited that my group (consisting of 4 people including myself) was tasked with creating a mural in the library, specifically a small-ish cubby sort of room where students can relax. Our librarian requested something tranquil and with a lighter color palette. Immediately my group and I were brainstorming and decided on an underwater mushroom forest filled with little creatures! We picked a pastel color palette with a lovely pink. We all sort of picked a specific focus and went crazy! My duty was all but one of the mushroom caps!
Now students at our school now and in the future can chill on the bean bag and watch a movie or nap in this whimsical space. A HUGE THANK YOU to my friends outside of the assigned group who helped A TON. And to Anne our lovely Librarian!

"Blah Blah" Skateboard Fundraiser 2023

Acrylic Paintings

Watercolor and Gouache

SENIOR CAPSTONE MARCH 2024

During my senior year at Perpich Arts High School we were given an entire quarter to create, organize, and install artwork as apart of our final senior project and exhibition. We are each given about 7 feet of gallery space and I used this opportunity to introduce a graphic novel concept of mine. This project is titled: "Sands of the Ages"- Coming Soon!"

INSTALLATION

ARTIST STATEMENT

A version of the world not so different from ours, lies an imbalance among the realms, one could say. A tale of siblings and betrayal, shaped in a whimsical way by poetry and cultures, this story breaks through to bring perspective on real life systemic issues that we face everyday.I’ve treated my senior capstone project as an opportunity to officially announce the arrival of my story working titled: Sands of the Ages! This story is set to be in graphic novel form exploring a complex fantastical world where the mystery of magic is both a threat and a means to heal. This story is about four years in the making and something I plan to develop fully over the course of the next year! What you’re currently looking at is essentially a movie poster, if you will, of almost all of the characters in the story. The nuances of this poster explores some of the intricate dynamics. You will see in the very center in the front row, the main character, Alfie, who possesses said magical abilities. Though only a child, they have been centered around this magical journey and must navigate the world in efforts to restore balance (because magic and stuff). But not alone of course! Alfie is guided with the help of many others including, but not limited to, rogue magic users, ghouls and pirates, and their gentle hearted sibling (who is positioned to their right), Moe.

WANTED POSTERS

On either side (going off of the installation layout) are the wanted posters of four main figures who all play a pivotal role in the story.
On the right side is Temperance, who is also depicted in the upper right center of the poster with purple magic. She is a strong and powerful lady but has been villainized and titled “the Witch of Death.” This is mostly because of her animal companion being a raven. But it is true that she is one of the most powerful magic users. Beside her lies the poster for her very near and dear Raven guide, Estir.On the left side is the wanted poster for Gwen Iron Necklace, a Native woman called “the Witch of Fury”. She is positioned in the very front row on the left side next to the lady with long braids (who is Alfie’s mother by the way). I find it very important to note that this character is a Native woman because Native women are historically underrepresented, fetishized and even face safety risks. Gwen represents the strength and resilience of Indigenous women.Of course neither Temperance nor Gwen are actually evil, but rather they pose a threat to the narrative upheld by those in power in the story. Much like our world today. They are not self proclaimed witches. However, they do possess the ability to manipulate energies and have it change its form. A powerful gift they’ve harnessed and nurtured.The final poster at the front is the undead outlaw and leader of a pirate crew. He was cursed after a terrible accident and now roams the seas until he finds his purpose to aid this quest that will restore balance to the realms! He is positioned to the left of Temperance. The joke with these wanted posters is they’re not at all accurate depictions of the characters, playing into the theme of how they’re misunderstood and villainized by perpetual ignorance.

I’m very passionate about seeing authentic and real representation of people of all ages, ethnicities, cultures and genders. Especially of indigenous people and especially in genres of literature and media that have historically been very Euro-centric. Educational media that portray painful history is SUPER IMPORTANT DON’T GET ME WRONG. BUT I love to see how creatives weave in their identity into fantasy, sci-fi, rom com, heck just about anything and have fun expressing themselves! It is so inspiring to feel seen and heard in popular stories and movies.Thus, Sands of the Ages has been deeply enriched by music, cultures and fashion I have learned about and been inspired by. I want to create a story people can relate to and be empowered by.And so, it is with anticipation and great pleasure, I formally introduce Sands of the Ages, COMING SOON to a theater (library or phone screen) near you!!

Concept Art

This is work that I've created prior to my capstone but it relates in concept