2015 Temporary Exhibit
The term formline, coined by art historian Bill Holm, names the abstract artistic design style used by Northwest Coast people to represent the world around them. Formline can be seen throughout Tlingit art, including paintings, stone tools, Chilkat blankets and three dimensional sculptures. Formline is based on the ovoid (oval-shaped design units), the origin of which will probably forever remain a mystery.
Formline entails a subtle language of rules and motifs; one piece can very obviously be a killer whale, while another can be so abstract only its creator can say what it is for sure. It has been said, however, that in formline there is right and wrong in design, that certain shapes can only be placed in certain configurations, and only after years of study can an artist begin to discern the language contained in its many forms.
This exhibit was guest curated by Zachary James. Mr. James is now the Collections Coordinator at the Haines Sheldon Museum.