Collection: Marcus Gosse

Marcus Gosse (ᒪᕒᐠᑲᐢ ᐧᑲᐢ) is a Newfoundland Mi'kmaq Artist, and a member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band in Newfoundland. Marcus' grandmother, Alice Maude Gosse (maiden name-Benoit), is a Mi'kmaq Elder, who was born and raised in Red Brook, NL (Weibooktoojech) located on the Port-Au-Port Peninsula. In 2005, Marcus was given his native name Papamikapow, which means "Traveler" (He who travels, not only physically, but, spiritually) from an Ojibway-Cree Elder from Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario. Marcus incorporates the ancient Mi'kmaq Star, Mi'kmaq Petroglyphs, Hieroglyphs, and various double curve designs into the landscapes of his paintings.
In 2009, Marcus' painting titled, "Seeking Mi'kmaq Enlightenment" was exhibited in a group show by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax, and is now a part of their permanent collection. Since 2014, The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery in Newfoundland have acquired five paintings titled, “Visions From A Sweat Lodge”, “Mi’kmaq Caribou(Qalipu) Soup”, “Shining Bright” (“Paqtasit”) - Brook Trout, “Free Spirit” - Grey Jay (Whiskey Jack) and “Revival” (“Minua’latl”) which displays a Cultural Renaissance(rebirth) in Mi'kma'ki(Mi'kmaq Territory) through Mi’kmaq patterns and the eight point star. In 2017, Marcus was invited to participate, and exhibit 11 art pieces, in the Canada 150 Art Show at the Macaya Gallery in Miami, Florida. Marcus has participated in several art shows in Atlantic Canada, and his pieces have been sold to art collectors around the world.

Eight-Pointed 'Mi'kmaq Star'

The Eight-Pointed ‘Mi’kmaq Star’ is a common trademark in Marcus Gosse’s paintings. His stars are often seen painted in four different colours: red, black, white and yellow. These four colours together represent harmony and unity between all people. The Mi’kmaq Star honors all cultures.

In 1983, a man in Bedford, Nova Scotia came across a Mi’kmaq Petroglyph in a wooded area. A ‘petroglyph’ is a symbol, or, design carved into stone. This petroglyph was an eight-point star – a symbol that is very important to the Mi’kmaq. It is believed that this eight-point Mi’kmaq Star petroglyph is over 500 years old.

The eight-point Mi’kmaq Star is believed to be an updated version of the seven-point star; which the Mi’kmaq used to represent the seven districts of their nation. The Mi’kmaq Nation grew to eight districts with the addition of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). The Mi’kmaq updated the star to eight-points to welcome their brothers and sisters from Newfoundland.

The eight-point Mi’kmaq Star is used today not only as a cultural symbol, but, also as a design emblem. Many Mi’kmaq artists use the star, and various Mi’kmaq Double Curve Designs to decorate their blankets, baskets, drums, clothing and paintings.