Description
Claude Latour is a descendant of the Kaponichin line of the Bear Clan through his mother’s bloodline, and is a band member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg of the Algonquin Nation. In his youth, Latour took a great interest in Algonquin culture and was inspired by his interactions with his kokomis (grandmother) and mishomis (grandfather) from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Band. In 1952, his family moved to Ottawa. As a working artist for over 30 years and a former traditional drummer, Latour has had the great honour of traveling throughout different First Nation communities within Algonquin and Cree Territories. These unique cultural and life experiences have blessed him with ceremony, respect, understanding, and sensitivity that have deeply influenced the art that he has produced. Latour fabricates works of art in various mediums that have included photography, video, painting, sculpture, and digital computer graphics. His artworks are influenced by traditional oral stories, ceremonies, his dream world, and artworks created by other Indigenous artists such as Norval Morriseau, Alex Janvier, Jane Poitras, and John Tenasco.