OPENS JUNE 3, 7pm
ON DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 25

Two well-known Winnipeg artists have partnered for an exhibit which provides both strong political commentary and visually stimulating artwork. KC Adams and Tim Schouten will pair their paintings and photography in aski nipay (land and water).

Metis artist Adams’ striking portraits are influenced by her travel to northern Manitoba communities during the summer of 2015.

“I was moved by the people who are walking the path of their ancestors, using their knowledge and power to protect the land and waters in their community. They face resistance from developers, Manitoba Hydro, government and sometimes even their own people,” Adams says.

Adams’ intent as a social practice artist is to capture, through her portraiture, the strong spirit and resilient and compassionate nature of these people.

Schouten’s colourful encaustic paintings perfectly complement Adams’ photographs. His work continues a long-term research-based project, The Treaty Suites, in which he is investigating the signings of Treaties 1 to 11 in Central Canada, and also providing a response to the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“Language is at the heart of the treaty process and its failings in this country. My work reflects on the history of treaties and on the vitality of indigenous languages,” Schouten says. “My encaustic/ hot wax medium carries the weight of this history through a layering and reductive process.”

Schouten’s paintings incorporate both Cree and English text, in an effort to highlight the urgent need to preserve and promote indigenous languages in Canada. Though he himself is not an indigenous artist, like Adams, his work was energized by travel to four places where Treaty 5 was signed.

“Adams and Schouten’s work naturally fits together,” says gallery owner Howard Gurevich. “The photographs and paintings complement each other both in an impressive visual display, but also a thought-provoking insight into an extremely significant piece of Canadian history.”

Tim thanks the Manitoba arts Council for their support of this work