New Acquisition: Curtis Talwst Santiago's 'Culture in the Key of Kerry'

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Curtis Talwst Santiago's Culture in the Key of Kerry, Sung by my Aunties on a Saturday Afternoon through the York Wilson Endowment Award, presented by the Canada Council for the Arts. 

Culture in the Key of Kerry pays tribute to beauty salons in places influenced by the African diaspora. It reflects on time spent with his mother in her friends' salons in Alberta and the many salons all over the globe where Santiago himself has had his hair done. These salons represent how communities create welcoming spaces that feel like home, even in unfamiliar surroundings. This sculpture is also Santiago’s homage to Kerry James Marshall's painting School of Beauty, School of Culture.  Culture in the Key of Kerry references the colour palette, composition, art historical and pop culture referents of that poignant painting.   

Born in Edmonton, Curtis Talwst Santiago is one of the city’s most celebrated artists, with a robust international career that includes exhibitions and residencies around the world. His practice spans various media, including painting, large-scale installations, sculpture, and intricate dioramas like this one that capture memories of his Caribbean-Canadian upbringing. Santiago has held two solo exhibitions at the AGA, and this acquisition marks the first of his works to join the AGA’s permanent collection. 

With this addition, Santiago’s work not only enriches the AGA's sculptural collection but also deepens the understanding of sculptural art for Albertans and the impact of artists from Edmonton. We are proud to be able to care for this work in the AGA collection for generations to come.