IG news Update,
An exhibition in Saskatoon exploring the beauty of Métis artwork, both traditional and contemporary.
Storied Objects: Métis Art in Relation is at Remai Modern in Saskatoon until July 2 and features the work of more than two dozen Métis artists.
Jason Berg, who is from Ontario and grew up in Prince Albert, Sask., is one of the artists on display.
“I think there is an opportunity for change in the arts,” he said.
“I’m really invested in using my practice to advance my people.”
The artwork in the exhibition varies, from ancestral objects, heritage borrowed from museums and art from current contemporary visual artists, he said. These are in the form of paintings, installations and media.
“I think it’s important to highlight Indigenous artists,” he said.
“The stories and history, the journey we have, belong together and we should all celebrate each other. We should amplify each other’s voices because we are all moving towards the same goal.”
Curator Tarah Hogg, a Métis artist from Alberta who is registered with the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, said Storied Objects is meant to explore the continuity of Indigenous art through time.
“It starts with looking at the work of the great-grandmothers of the Métis nation and the idea of storied objects,” she said.
Hogg states that it is important that historical and contemporary works share the same space as ways of adapting traditional practices to new media and new forms.
“This exhibition is truly a wonderful opportunity to bring together the many artists who are connected to Métis communities in Saskatchewan to showcase the richness and diversity of Métis artists working today and across generations.”
Sherry Rackett of the Timiskaming First Nation in Quebec, whose work inspired the exhibit, is a consultant for the show. Her work heavily involves beading, which she said was a great way for her to start sharing her traditional knowledge.
She said that she started a beading circle as a teacher.
“I incorporate it into my teachings now, whether it’s caring for children or graduate students,” she said.
“I learned so much doing beadwork. Culture is such a small word because really you learn about things like life and patience, and you learn to pay careful attention and watch and those are really cool lessons.”