Christian White: Master Haida Artist Featured at SJIMA’s Shapeshifters Exhibition

SJIMA
Jun 27
3 min read

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) proudly presents Shapeshifters, now open and continuing through September 15, 2025. This major exhibition highlights the works of 32 accomplished Indigenous artists from the Pacific Northwest Coast, each celebrating the vibrant traditions and innovative artistic expressions of their cultures. Among these extraordinary artists is renowned Haida carver and multidisciplinary creator, Christian White.

Christian White, Haida artist, wearing a woven headband and black vest, sits holding a carved argillite sculpture while being interviewed by SJIMA docent Marney Reynolds, who is smiling and wearing glasses and a purple shirt. They are seated in the gallery surrounded by carved and painted cedar bentwood boxes featuring traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous designs. — SJIMA docent Marney Reynolds (left) interviews Haida artist Christian White at the opening reception for the ***Shapeshifters*** exhibition, now on view at SJIMA through September 15, 2025.

Born in 1962 in Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii, Christian White—whose Haida name Kihlguulaans translates to "Voice of Gold"—was raised in Old Masset. As a member of the Yahgulaanas Haida Raven Clan, he descends from an illustrious lineage of Haida artists, including his father, Chief Eden Morris White, and his great-great-grandfather, the legendary Charles Edenshaw. From a young age, White was steeped in the cultural artistry of his heritage, beginning his carving apprenticeship at age 14 and becoming a self-supporting artist by 17.

Sculpture by Haida artist Christian White titled Raven with Clamshell, carved from dark argillite. The piece depicts a stylized raven perched atop a clamshell that is encircled by human faces in relief, each with inlaid abalone eyes. The raven has a prominent beak, inlaid eyes, and detailed feathers on its wings and talons. — Christian White, *Raven with Clamshell*, Argillite, 9 x 6 x 6

Christian White's artistic practice is characterized by extraordinary versatility. He is acclaimed for his skill in carving argillite, a rare black slate exclusively accessible to Haida artists. His body of work, spanning over five decades, includes monumental wood sculptures and totem poles, intricate gold and silver jewelry, dynamic paintings and prints, ceremonial regalia and masks, and ocean-going cedar canoes. Deeply embedded in Haida mythology, his creations vividly depict supernatural beings, legendary animals, and narrative scenes, brought to life through intricate inlays of abalone, ivory, and catlinite.

A remarkable achievement at age 22 saw White’s sculpture, Raven Dancer, acquired by the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. His artistry is represented in prestigious institutions such as the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and the Seattle Art Museum. Notably, in 2025, the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver honored White with his first major retrospective, Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist, featuring over 40 significant pieces.

Christian White’s contributions extend beyond his artistic accomplishments. He is a dedicated cultural ambassador, mentor, and advocate for Haida heritage preservation. White founded an apprenticeship program nurturing young Haida artists and has been pivotal in reviving community traditions, including totem pole carving and canoe building. His active participation in the Haida Repatriation Committee and language revitalization initiatives underscores his profound commitment to his community’s cultural legacy.

As part of SJIMA’s Artist Profile Series, an exclusive interview with Christian White recorded during the Shapeshifters Exhibition Opening Reception is forthcoming. In the meantime, we invite you to watch a powerful YouTube video exploring White’s dedication to cultural transmission and mentorship.

Christian White shares lessons in patience and the responsibility of passing down cultural knowledge and skills. David Jones, apprentice carver speaks to this particular project, and anticipation for the potlatch ceremonies that brought these pieces to life. Filmmaking Credit: Gaetan Lamarre of Silent Rapids Productions.

The Shapeshifters Exhibition invites visitors to experience Christian White’s extraordinary work alongside the creations of fellow Indigenous artists. Visit SJIMA Thursday through Monday, 11 AM to 5 PM, now through September 15, 2025. Admission is $10, free for members and visitors 18 and under. Mondays are pay-what-you-like days.

SJIMA extends heartfelt thanks to the generous Shapeshifters Exhibition sponsors: Banner Bank, Barbara & Frank Fagan, Terry Lush & Linda Nelson, Alan & Lynn Weber/Roochvarg, Anonymous, Browne’s Home Center, Friday Harbor Suites, Harbor Rentals, Printonyx, & Terry Ogle Painting.