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Prairie Appa

For my bison sculpture, I drew inspiration from the Canadian prairies, the natural habitat of the bison, as well as symbols that resonate with both personal and collective histories. The design incorporates bold red and white colors, referencing the Canadian flag and reinforcing the connection between the bison and the land it represents in a contemporary context. 

A flowing white pattern runs along the middle of the bison’s back, inspired by a fictional flying bison from my childhood and my natural inclination toward wavy, organic shapes. This pattern is layered with dense handprints—an element reminiscent of children’s handprint paintings, symbolizing community, connection, and memory. Subtly, this also nods to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), recognizing the importance of remembrance and advocacy within public art.

On the sides of the bison, I incorporated a circular prairie landscape designed with a 3D illusion, making it appear as though the field exists within the bison itself. This reverses the common image of a bison roaming the prairie, instead placing the land inside the bison as a bold visual metaphor for the deep ties between the animal and its environment. These lands, represented in the artwork, pay respect to the traditional lands of the Treaty 1 Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis Nation.

At the base of the bison’s feet, I have included crocus flowers, Manitoba’s official flower, chosen by children through a vote in 1906. As an early sign of spring, the crocus represents renewal, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life—qualities that also reflect the enduring spirit of the prairies and the communities that call them home.

This design weaves together elements of nature, national identity, personal nostalgia, and cultural symbolism to create a striking and meaningful public artwork.

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Artist: Aderemilekun ‘Oluuji’ Olusoga