Biography

Atikamekw from Wemotaci, Jacques Newashish was born in La Tuque in the Mauricie region and grew up in the forest with his parents. There, he learned to live off the resources that surrounded him, to the rhythm of the Earth and in connection with his environment. These lessons have shaped him into authentic and sensitive person. His exceptional presence resonates deeply. These qualities make him an exceptional actor. He starred in the films Avant les rues (Before the streets) and Soleil atikamekw (Atikamekw sun), and in the play Vol au-dessus d’un nid de coucou (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest). In addition to his acting prowess, Jacques Newashish is an illustrator, painter, sculptor, filmmaker, storyteller and singer. He creates installations, murals and participatory works in which he shares his knowledge. He also passes on his knowledge through workshops and training courses. His works are showcased in a number of venues in Quebec and beyond. Jacques Newashish has been dedicated to promoting culture for over 40 years. He was honored with the Prix Hommage and the Médaille des Bâtisseurs by Culture Mauricie in 2020.

Les Sept Directions (2021)

Jacques Newashish is in harmony with the land. His works embody this connection to his environment, allowing us to feel this impalpable presence. His recent paintings use dripping techniques to evoke the energy that surrounds us. These large-scale paintings are collective works created with the 2022 and 2023 graduating students in scenic production at the Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe. During the production process, Jacques Newashish passed on teachings related to the seven directions. Each direction is associated with a color in the painting. Mauve is linked to the Cosmos, green represents all living entities on Earth and turquoise represents everything that lives beneath the Earth. Yellow signifies the East and life, red the South and the heart. Black evokes the West and the Spirits, and white symbolizes the North and the force of nature. This cascade of colors evokes the essence of all life in its strength and majesty.

This collective work was created by:
The artist Jacques Newashish
Graduating stage production students:
Victoire Nativel, Yeelen Stanislas, Claudelle Dextraze, Lindsay Marbach, Lili Benko, Laurie Desrochers
A film student:
A-j St-Pierre
And the stage production teachers:
Cassandre Chatonnier and Marie-Claude Pion