Author Archives: caitling

On Beaded Ground

On Beaded Ground explores the essential role of Indigenous artists' creative practices in the reclamation and renewal of culture, identity, stories and teachings. [Image Description: Close-up of a beadwork design on white wool fabric. The design prominently features a blue and gold beaded flower and a large green beaded leaf.]
Image: Lynette LaFontaine, Kokuminawak Sakihitowin Kayas Ochi Grandmas’ Love From Long Ago, naming credit: Dianne Ludwig (detail), 2021. 

April 21 – September 18, 2021

Legacy Downtown | 630 Yates St.
Lekwungen territory

Curated by Lorilee Wastasecoot (UVic BA ’17), Curator of Indigenous Art & Engagement, UVic Legacy Galleries

Visit the exhibition website

On Beaded Ground explores the essential role of Indigenous women’s creative practices in the reclamation and renewal of culture, identity, stories and teachings. The beaded artworks in the exhibition carry stories. The materials, methods of making, designs and functions of beaded objects are languages particularly devised to transmit memories, legacies, and narratives between people across time and space.

This selection of works reflects the current proliferation of artists beading on the west coast and explores practices past and present. Featured artists include Margaret August (Coast Salish), Daphne Boyer (Metis), Cedar Circle Indigenous Leadership Group, Maxine Matilpi (Kwakwaka’wakw), Bev Koski (Anishinaabe), Lynette Lafontaine (Nehiyow/ Michif), Nicole Mandryk (Anishinaabe/Ukranian/Irish, UVic BA ‘19), Audie Murray (Michif), Teresa Vander Meer-Chasse (Upper Tanana), and Estrella Whetung (Anishinaabe, UVic PhD (ABD), MA ‘10, BA ‘08).

Event Series Playlist

Whatcha Feeling?

A Photo Story by Melanin Magic and Nathan Smith

What's your vibe? This was the question that Jamaican-Canadian photographer, Nathan Smith asked the youth group, Melanin Magic, during a student-led photo shoot one sunny afternoon in May. In asking this question, the students were posed with the challenge to capture how they were feeling on that day, outside their classroom walls as they looked towards a post-pandemic world. What emerged from these self-directed portraits was their desire to be untethered and fully in the moment of who they were, and who they dream to be. [Image Description: Darius outdoors on his skateboard.]
Image: Whatcha Feeling: Nathan Smith, FLIGHT, 2021. Photo content: Darius Cordner

June 19 – September 18, 2021

Legacy Downtown Sidewalk Gallery

630 Yates Street
Lekwungen territory

Tuesday – Saturday, 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Located outside on Broad Street side of Legacy Downtown

Curated by Darius Cordner and Nicole Achtymichuk (UVic BSc ’20, Young Canada Works Curatorial Intern)

What’s your vibe? This was the question that Jamaican-Canadian photographer, Nathan Smith, asked the youth group, Melanin Magic, during a student-led photo shoot one sunny afternoon in May. In asking this question, the students were posed with the challenge to capture how they were feeling on that day, outside their classroom walls as they looked towards a post-pandemic world. What emerged from these self-directed portraits was their desire to be untethered and fully in the moment of who they were, and who they dream to be. 

Photos by Nathan Smith, Sophia Ho, Grace Morrison and Tasha Henry

Graphic Art by Dre Gutierrez Reyes

Melanin Magic Students: Daisy, Lia, Tabi, Maheen, Catalina, Summer, Aya, Gabby, Bayan, Tendo, Keira, Sophia, Soren, Cadir, Emmanuel, Tra’she, Jenny, Grace, and Darius