VISUAL SIGNATURE 2025
BRIAN J. FRANCIS

Brian J. Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick is an accomplished director/writer, filmmaker and visual artist. His main focus in his artistic expression is the positive promotion of the Mi’kmaq people and their culture. He was the recipient of the very prestigious Dialogue NB Governor General Award for his extensive work and accomplishment in preservation of the Mi’kmaq language and his role of Indigenous Liaison. He also received the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Brian’s paintings are mainly a reflection and depiction of his dreams and visions. Highly spiritual in nature and deep in texture and color. His paintings “come from” a different plane and often resonate with a deeply spiritually minded audience.

His current work, “Indigenous Blue”, is a captivating art exhibit that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of blue in Indigenous culture and traditions. This exhibit showcases the unique and diverse artworks created by Brian Francis and delves into the profound connections between blue and the intricate tapestry of Indigenous spirituality and worldview.

Brian’s previous solo collections “Ancient Spirits” and “The Sacred Path” received great attention and appreciation while showing in various art galleries in Atlantic Canada in 2023. His work has also been featured in the exhibit Wabanaki 2021 and 2022 both in Fredericton NB as well as in Yorkville Village in Toronto and the well-known Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford Ontario, where world renown Indigenous artists have exhibited. Brian’s paintings were part of a projection art installation on the City Hall of Melbourne Australia in 2022.

His painting “L’Arrivée` has sparked an international interest and conversations between the Mi`kmaq Nation, the Acadians and France and was installed at the Maison L’Acadie in Poitou France.

Brian wrote and self-published his first book of spiritual writings showcasing his photography; “Between Two Worlds”. Promotion and marketing of this book on social media platforms, podcasts, radio interviews reaching international audiences. In 2023 he published his second book “The Sacred Space” which is an intimate collection of writing and art under Acorn Press Publishing,a Nimbus Publishing affiliate.

He is currently working on an art installation as the official selection for the City of Moncton’s project at the new police station Codiac Regional RCMP and promoting Indigenous Blue to various galleries in the Maritimes.

Visual Art Solo Exhibitions:
2024

• Galerie Art-Artiste, Dieppe NB
• Festival Acadien, Caraquet NB
• Wabanaki 2024, Gallery on Queen, Fredericton NB

2023

• Maison de L’Acadie, Poitiers France - Presentation of the painting “L’Arrivée”
• City of Moncton Art Gallery -The Sacred Path
• Festival Acadien Caraquet
• Art From the Turtle’s Back, Yorkville Village Toronto
• McCain Gallery, Florenceville-Bristol
• Wabanaki 2023, Gallery on Queen Fredericton

2022

• Multimedia projection of Brian Francis paintings on the Melbourne City Hall, Australia
• Wabanaki 2022, Gallery on Queen Fredericton
• Wabanaki, Yorkville Village Toronto
• Woodland Centre Brantford ON
• Ancient Spirits, Esprits Anciens:
  Centre Arts Culture Dieppe,
  Carrefour Beausoleil,
  École Sainte Anne,
  Centre scolaire Samuel de Champlain
  

2021

• Wabanaki, Gallery on Queen Fredericton
• Wabanaki, Yorkville Village Toronto
• Assomption Vie Gallerie, Moncton

CBC feature on visual art and trilingual writings called Ancient Spirit;
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/199569875582

Bio, book testimonials, to order book;
https://brian-j-francis.myshopify.com

Link to Brian’s award winning documentary “The Sacred Sundance”
on the National Film Board;
https://www.nfb.ca/directors/brian-j-francis/