Andrew (Enpaauk) Dexel

Enpaauk Andrew Dexel is a young emerging artist from the Nlakapmux Nation who is best known for his paintings and prints. His painting approach mixes graffiti style with North West Coast design, creating figurative and abstract images that speak to resistance and renewal. His beginning as a graffiti artist is central to his style, and since his switch from walls to canvas three years ago he has brought the energy from the street into his paintings. His work was featured in the Kamloops Art Gallery's exhibition “Shazam” and, in 2009, he had the pleasure to do a solo show titled "Gratitude" at Vancouver's Grunt Gallery. His work is also featured at the Native Winds Gallery in Honolulu and has been published in Blood Lines, Redwire, and Brunt Magazine.

Of his work, Dexel states: "My work relates my spiritual path; my journey. I express the inspiration lovingly given to me through teachings and stories from my elders and mentors. My work embodies the powerful visions that I have been given through these teachings. I am grateful. My work is a modern expression embodying the symbolic abstract inspired by my home: Coast Salish Territory."

Nationally renowned artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun comments, "Enpaauk's work is innovative new Northwest Coast style. He has a free way of thinking about young Native people of his generation. His contribution is to his generation is very present and it shows in his creative expression. His work is abstract neo native symbolism."