Courtesy of: Whyte Museum
An opening of the Whyte Museums winter exhibitions is happening on Sunday, November 21st, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring two Indigenous-led artist projects. There will be a curator talk following on Sunday, November 22nd at 11 a.m., where interested persons can take in a talk that features emerging Métis curator Emma De Sousa.
Curator Emma De Sousa.
Photo Source: Liz Bently
The first of the two, I AM: Indigenous Art Mentorship, features artwork from 13 Indigenous artists from across generations, nations and career stages. The artists in question were mentored by Joseph Sanchez and AJA Louden. Each artist was commissioned to make new work that responded to the artistic legacy of the Indigenous Group of Seven, and/or their dream piece, that would be created through a year of focused mentorship support.
The I AM: Indigenous Artist Mentorship exhibit builds off the Whyte’s previous exhibit The Ancestors Are Talking, which was curated by Sanchez, the last surviving member of the Indigenous Group of Seven. Participating artists are Brandon Atkinson, Cheyenne Bearspaw, Bruno Canadien, Hali Heavyshield, Kyle Kaquitts, Brendon Many Bears, Nathan Meguinis, Kristy North Peigan, Jarron Poucette, Lillian Rose, Giona Smalleyes, Gordon Wesley, and Tiffany Wollman.
Nathan Meguinis standing in front of his work.
Courtesy: Artist photo
CJWE got to sit down and speak with Emma De Sousa, curator of the I AM: Indigenous Artist Mentorship exhibit, and asked about the process of getting all the artists together.
We asked Emma for more details on the year-long mentorship process, and what it might look like behind the scenes.
Emma talks about how this exhibit is meant to build off of The Ancestors Are Talking.
That’s not all that’s being presented on November 21st, as the exhibit “Sitting Wind” will be showcased as well. The exhibition explores the work, life and legacy of Îethka (Stoney) artist Ganutha Îge (Sitting Wind), also known as Frank Kaquitts. Archived materials, audio, as well as paintings from the collection of Peter Whyte and Catharine Robb Whyte.
Îethka (Stoney) artist Ganutha Îge (Sitting Wind), also known as Frank Kaquitts.
Source: Whyte Museum
We also got the chance to sit down with Travis Rider, who worked on the Sitting Wind exhibit, and asked for more details about how he got involved in the project.
Travis tells CJWE more about who Sitting Wind was.
We asked Travis for some of the community and Elder reactions to the work he’s done on the Sitting Wind Exhibit.
Travis reminds people to never hesitate to visit the Whyte Museum, whenever you’re in Banff.
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