5:00pm - 9:00pm
Directed by Lebanese/Canadian filmmaker, Geordie Sabbagh, When I Go Outside is an award-winning feature documentary on artist Bîstyek whose solo show Forbidden Colours runs at WAG-Qaumajuq until August 2026. The film offers an intimate portrait of the self-taught artist deeply shaped by his experiences as a refugee. Born in Rojava (Syria) and forced to flee due to war and hardship, Bîstyek rebuilds his life in Canada while confronting memories of loss, survival, and identity.
Through painting, sculpture, and immersive installations, Bîstyek transforms personal trauma into vivid, expressive art that reflects both his own story and those of others displaced by conflict. Forbidden Colours follows his creative process, including the reconstruction of the cramped spaces from his childhood, turning memory into physical form and emotional testimony.
Later on, join WAG-Qaumajuq’s Curator of Inuit Art, Dr. Darlene Coward Wight, for an enlightening tour of the recently-opened exhibition, Ningiukulu Teevee: Stories from the Arctic. Discover captivating images of Inuit creation stories, animal fables, and spiritual traditions passed down through generations.
About the artists
Ningiukulu Teevee Ningiukulu Teevee
Graphic artist and author Ningiukulu Teevee is beloved for her whimsical and narrative-driven work. Based in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU, Teevee made her print collection debut in the 45th Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection in 2004. In the years since, her work has been included in every subsequent collection to date. Through both her visual art and writing, Teevee shares her unique perspective on historical and contemporary Inuit culture, employing a deft ability to translate traditional stories into dynamic compositions. Her debut children’s book Alego (2019) was short-listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s illustration, and her stories have appeared in the Inuit Art Quarterly. Teevee’s signature walruses have twice been featured on the cover of the Inuit Art Quarterly, first in 2009 and again in 2014 and within the magazine countless times. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, ON, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Manitoba, among others.
Bîstyek Bîstyek
Born in 1996 in Syria from a Kurdish family, resides and works in Winnipeg, Canada. Bîstyek emerged from a refugee background to become a visual artist. His journey began with a pivotal moment when he decided to quit his job, dedicating himself entirely to his passion for painting. In a mere three months, he completed 40-50 paintings, realizing that art was not just a choice but an intrinsic part of his identity and self-expression.
Bîstyek’s art embodies the raw essence of life’s complexities, capturing personal narratives of displacement and resilience, offering a unique and emotive perspective on the human experience. His canvases act as a refuge from conventionality, portraying emotive portraits of refugees and elements derived from his intimate experiences. Characterized by dramatic imagery and saturated colors, his artistic style invites viewers into a world reflecting memories and emotions, unveiling the depths of his journey and expressions.
Made possible by
Ages 18-24 enjoy 50% off admission until September 7, 2026 through the Canada Strong Pass supported by the Government of Canada. Youth under 18 always get in for free. Learn more
