Mark Nadjiwan – Anishnabek

Cultural Background: Anishnabek, Ontario

The subject matter and style of artist Mark Nadjiwan are predominantly inspired by his First Nation’s heritage. He is a self-taught artist who works in pen and ink. His unique style is a fusion of the Woodland and Northwest Coast Native art traditions, where one will see the Woodland’s characteristic x-ray and wavy line motifs interwoven with the clean formlines and geometry that typify Northwest Coast art. In more recent years, Mark’s artwork and accompanying stories have begun to address the environmental and political challenges facing our modern times.

In 2022, and for reasons related to both his previous work with First Nations as well as his artistic contributions, Mark had the honour of being inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. His work can be found in venues across Canada as well as private collections in Canada, the United States and Europe. Mark’s First Nation roots are grounded in the Georgian Bay and Lake Superior regions. He lives in the traditional territories of the Anishnabek Nation on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula and he is a member of Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded First Nation.

Artwork by Indigenous Artist Mark Nadjiwan