By David Klassen
‘Boarder X’ is one of two new exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. (@WAG_CA / TWITTER)
Two new exhibitions at the Winnipeg Art Gallery are displaying how Indigenous art, culture, and land intersect.
Boarder X and Vernon Ah Kee opened to the public on Friday.
“The Winnipeg Art Gallery is working to embrace reconciliation, Indigenous communities, and their art,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG director and CEO.
“Boarder X and Vernon Ah Kee: cantchant support this mission by promoting a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, while tapping into the energy of boarding.”
Boarder X features work by contemporary artists from Indigenous nations across Canada: Jordan Bennett, Roger Crait, Steven Davies, Mark Igloliorte, Mason Mashon, Meghann O’Brien, and Les Ramsay.
Vernon Ah Kee: cantchant connects Indigenous identities to disputed territory around Australia’s beaches as it relates to ownership, conflict, and land claims.
Both exhibits, curated by Jaimie Isaac, the WAG’s Canada Council Curatorial Resident of Indigenous & Contemporary Art, are on view until spring 2017.
“Boarder X has created a space for active engagement through art, culture, and boarding at the WAG,” says Isaac. “The interdisciplinary art produced embodies how the artists relate to the environment and cultural landscapes. Working with these artists and Vans has been an amazing experience.”
