The artwork, titled “Certificate of Mischief Nation,” was crafted by Kent Monkman in 2013. It falls under the Postcolonial art movement and is categorized within the artwork genre of ‘object.’
The artwork consists of a certificate and two banknotes, vividly detailed and reminiscent of official government documents and currency. The certificate, bordered in red with an official seal and emblem at the top, confers citizenship status within the “Mischief Nation.” It includes form fields for the applicant’s name, date, and signature, imbuing an air of formal authority and authenticity. Below the certificate are two intricately designed ‘currency’ bills. These banknotes are adorned with intricate illustrations that draw attention to cultural and historical themes, featuring indigenous motifs and prominent figures, which merge traditional elements with contemporary design. The cohesive aesthetic of the certificate and banknotes highlights the critical engagement with historical narratives and colonialism, reflecting the essence of Postcolonial art.
