ASSINIBOIA - A contemporary installation work called ‘#hopeandhealing’ is now on display at the Shurniak Art Gallery in Assiniboia.
This exhibit was created by Tracey-Mae Chambers, who is a Métis installation artist and a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
Her family is from the traditional Métis community in Sault Ste. Marie and Penetanguishene, Ontario. She is travelling throughout Canada creating site specific art installations at residential schools, historical sites, cultural centres, museums, art galleries and other public spaces.
Since July 2021 she has created over 100 installations at residential school historical sites, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. Many of these spaces serve to present a colonial viewpoint and primarily speak about the settlers who arrived and lived here, but not the Indigenous people that were displaced along the way.
Red is the colour of blood. Red is the slur against Indigenous people. Red is the colour of passion and anger, danger and power, courage and love.
The goal of these works is to broach the subject of decolonization with viewers and staff.
The installations are created with large pre-made crochet, and knit pieces made with red yarn. These are created both inside and outside and weather the elements quite successfully. The installations can be in place for as long as the venue would like.
Once dismantled the work itself will be returned to the artist and it will be reworked and repurposed at another site somewhere in the country.
The stories from each participating venue will culminate into a book and travelling exhibition.
Her hope is to bridge the gap between settlers and Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit people by creating art that is approachable and non-confrontational and starting a conversation about decolonization and reconciliation.
The contemporary installation work on display at the Shurniak Gallery is the 151st location for her exhibit. One of her latest installations during the summer was at Rideau Hall, official residence of Governor General Mary Simon, when it was displayed on June 21.
The installation will be on display at the Shurniak Art Gallery until Oct. 1.
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