2011-04-11 Manwoman’s Swastika Tour - Cranbrook, BC

In 2011, before leaving to attend a tattoo festival in Ireland, local painter, sculptor and poet, Manwoman (1938-2012), invited our videographer, Mike Turner, to grab his camera and come to his home. With the tattoo festival’s theme of “Reclaiming the Swastika“, Manwoman wanted a video of some of his vast collection to take with him. Manwoman, born Patrick Charles Kemball, or “Manny“ as he was also called, was best known for his contributions to the Canadian art world and his work to rescue the swastika, an ancient symbol dating back at least 5,000 years and sacred to several religions, from its Nazi associations. In 2001, he published a book on his mission, called “Gentle Swastika: Reclaiming the Innocence.“ Whether you’re a fan, a critic or just curious, this truly is a treat to watch because you’re getting a tour of part of this legendary collection by the man who created it. You can’t beat that.