Curators of the exhibition Symbiosis, Jaimie Isaac, former AGGV Chief Curator, and Mel Granley, AGGV Assistant Curator, spoke with a sample selection of participating artists from the show and explored resonant themes between works, and ideas around fungi and forest ecologies.
By Mel Granley, AGGV Assistant Curator (Michif and mixed-European)
The annual festivities of National Indigenous Peoples Day provide an opportunity for everyone in so-called “Canada” to embrace and celebrate the peoples who have tended to this land for time immemorial. Historically, this event has existed as a way for Indigenous people to uplift and show pride for our cultures in the face of discrimination and oppression. Today, while Indigenous people continue to push against those forces, June 21st has become a day for everyone to come together and consider their positions on the lands they live, and to celebrate the nations who have stewarded these beautiful lands for generations upon generations.
By AGGV & Threshold Housing Society
Throughout December Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde joined 12 participants at the AGGV for a hands-on workshop inspired by the Gallery’s previous exhibition Adorned. In particular, the Gallery was thrilled to have 5 youth from Thresholds Housing Society join us in learning about self exploration and ancestral ties through Indigenous beading and moccasin making.
By Cheryl L’Hirondelle
kinanāskomitinawaw – thank you to the lək̓ʷəŋən People, whose land the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is on and whose language and stories engage with this place more eloquently and accurately than these words and this short story can ever hope to. Regardless, thank you to the dedicated and caring AGGV staff and curator Jaimie Isaac for inviting me to share.
By Natalie Rollins, AGGV Public Programs Coordinator
Standing in circle under the golden Garry oak growing in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s courtyard, Yetta woke the heart beat of a drum with a soft slow thrum, thrum, thrum. She opens into song reflecting this gentle rhythm and deep reverberance. Yetta’s teachings for the beading workshop begin; we have been invited to learn about the transformation of a bead.
By Tyrone Elliott
I’ve been Cedar weaving since I was 4. In my mind, there was a distinct disconnect between what I did and what artists did. I’ve come to learn that while not necessarily everything is art, most things, if not everything, can be made into art.
By John Manson, Gallery Shop Coordinator
We are thrilled to present a Q&A with BC-born jewelry artist and fashion designer Warren Steven Scott (Nlaka’pamux Nation and Toronto, ON).
By Mel Granley, Guest Curator at the AGGV.
June is recognized as National Indigenous History Month. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday celebrated in Canada every year on the 21st of June. This holiday was officially established in 1996 and is intended to “recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada” according to Canada.ca. I ask myself, what does this day mean to me? I am a Métis and Ukrainian person living in Canada, and this day brings mixed feelings of pride and concern.