Artist in Residency Water Initiative Exhibition Project Opens at WAG-Qaumajuq

This project brings together emerging and established Indigenous artists to collaborate on an exhibition titled pimâtisiwin nipi/ bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi

Winnipeg, Manitoba, August 28, 2024: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) on the Water Initiative project. This project brings together emerging Indigenous artists for a residency at WAG-Qaumajuq where they have been working and receiving mentorship from established Indigenous artists and collaborating on an exhibition that speaks to their relationship with water. The exhibition, pimâtisiwin nipi/ bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi will be on display at WAG-Qaumajuq in the Muriel Richardson Auditorium foyer beginning August 29.

The participating residents are Daimhín Ó Rinn ᐅᓂ – ᐊᐦᒑᕽ ᐅᓂᑲᒧᐤ who is Nêhiyaw living in Winnipeg, Desiree Moise who is from Lac Brochet First Nation, Jasmin Fontaine/Ozawa onong ikwe who is from Sagkeeng First Nation, Paige Miswagon who is from Norway House Cree Nation, and Zac Ironstand, who is born and lives in Winnipeg from Tootinaowaziibeeng. The artists come from communities in Manitoba where Indigenous modes of subsistence are threatened by extractive industries that negatively impact waterways. These artists have unique perspectives on the importance of having access to water which informs the creation of the new artworks they are collaborating on. The residency also provides the young artists with opportunities for professional and artistic development.

The artist leading this residency is Redsun, a Denesuline and Nehitho Land Defender, writer, and multi-media artist who works in film. Other mentoring artists include Rhayne Vermette (acclaimed Red River Metis film maker from Manitoba), and Lita Fontaine (Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Metis visual artist and educator). The group has also spent time with WAG-Qaumajuq Assistant Curator of Indigenous and Contemporary Art, Marie-Anne Redhead, WAG-Qaumajuq Head of Learning and Indigenous Ways, Julia Lafreniere, WAG-Qaumajuq Indigenous Learning Coordinator, Rebecca McIvor, and has visited Urban Shaman Art Gallery. They have also received professional development training if they decide to pursue being an artist professionally in the future.

The public is invited to attend a celebratory opening of pimâtisiwin nipi/ bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi on Thursday, August 29 at 7pm at the Gallery. This event is FREE for all to attend and includes refreshments and food.

We thank the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources for their partnership on this project.

Quick Facts:

• The artist residency brings together emerging and established Indigenous artists working together to collaborate on an exhibition that speaks to their relationship with water.
• In partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), the Water Initiative project offers opportunities for artistic and professional mentorship from established Indigenous arts professionals.
• The residency is led by Redsun, a Denesuline and Nehitho Land Defender, writer, and multi-media artist, and mentoring artists Rhayne Vermette (Metis filmmaker), and Lita Fontaine (Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Metis visual artist).
• The participating residents are Daimhín Ó Rinn ᐅᓂ – ᐊᐦᒑᕽ ᐅᓂᑲᒧᐤ, Desiree Moise, Jasmin Fontaine, Paige Miswagon, and Zac Ironstand, who come from various communities in Manitoba.
• pimâtisiwin nipi/ bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi opens at WAG-Qaumajuq on August 29.
• A free public opening celebration of the exhibition will take place on Thursday, August 29. Doors open at 6:45pm with the formal program beginning at 7pm and includes refreshments and food.

Quotes:

“I am very honoured to have hosted these young talented artists at WAG-Qaumajuq over the last few weeks and I am very grateful to them for sharing their knowledge in this space. Water protection is an important issue for all Canadians, and my hope is that the exhibition pimâtisiwin nipi/ bimaadiziwin nibi/tu besudi, will help encourage everyone to become involved in advocating for Indigenous water sovereignty. Indigenous people have cared for the water since time immemorial and it is time to bring these lessons to all of Canada so that all Canadians can look forward to a bright future.”

— Julia Lafreniere, WAG-Qaumajuq Head of Learning, Indigenous Ways & Equity

“The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources and the One Drop Foundation are thrilled to support this initiative as part of the IYAWI initiative which is the first stage of the Indigenous Water Allyship. We are excited to be working with Redsun as our young Indigenous water ambassador and the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq as the partner organization. We thank Gallery for supporting Redsun through this journey to bring their vision to life and look forward to seeing the exhibit and hearing about the experiences from the talented Indigenous artists in Manitoba.”

— Shianne McKay, Senior Project Manager, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources

Support

We thank the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources for their partnership on this project.

Associated Links

The Water Initiative
Opening Celebration

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca

About Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art as a catalyst for change. The Gallery features an impressive collection of over 27,000 artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and media, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. Each piece has its own story to tell. Sharing these stories with the world is at the core of WAG-Qaumajuq. This is an engaging, accessible space where visitors can experience art and learning in new ways. Principles of equity, care, trust, and responsibility guide the institution towards meaningful impact and transformation. To learn more, visit wag.ca.

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