Stories Within immerses visitors in the vibrant tapestry of storytelling woven throughout the artistic practices of these Yukon First Nations artists. Through a diverse array of mediums such as beading, formline, collage, and fashion, each artist intricately layers narratives within their works. The exhibition explores storytelling as a cornerstone of Indigenous identity, a tradition passed down through generations. These narratives are not only a means of preserving history and cultural knowledge but also a platform for engaging with personal and pressing issues of our time.
Stories Within speaks to the power of storytelling as a tool for healing, resistance, and transformation. Created by dynamic Indigenous voices from the Territory, these innovative and poignant works invite audiences to engage with the embodiment of story – how an artwork can truly hold and evoke narratives.
Image: Kaylyn Baker, Spark, 2023
Joseph Tisiga’s poignant work confronts the legacy of colonialism with raw honesty and emotional depth. Through his evocative imagery and symbolism, Tisiga interrogates the enduring impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples and lands through allegory, jarring collage, and uncomfortable truths.
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that ravaged the North in 2023, Kaylyn Baker created “Spark.” Her signature beadwork evokes smoke and ash, depicted through embroidery, tufting, and moody grey and fiery orange beads, serving as a stark reminder of the ecological upheaval wrought by these infernos. Yet, amidst the destruction, there is also a glimmer of hope symbolized by the emergence of morel mushrooms and fireweed in the aftermath.
Megan Guna Jensen’s formline painting, The Healer, serves as a testament to the transformative power of traditional medicine and the resilience of the human spirit. Inspired by a near-death experience and the healing properties of s’axt (devil’s club), Jensen’s work embodies the journey from darkness to liberation, offering solace and serenity to both the artist and the viewer.
Sho Sho Esquiro’s bold fashion designs challenge colonial narratives and celebrate Indigenous resilience. In Ascension she weaves a deeply personal story, a stunning embodiment of love, loss, and spiritual transcendence. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and infused with personal symbolism, Esquiro’s beaded jacket honors the memory of her late grandparents, serving as a reminder that energy never dies and that creation can be an act of healing and gratitude.
Eila Vallevand’s canvas mukluks are a striking blend of tradition and self-expression, embodying the spirit of cultural resurgence and innovation. Drawing on her own experiences and high school doodles, Vallevand’s work is an exciting approach to storytelling through canvas, beads, and sharpies.
Blake Shaa’koon Lepine’s intimate painting delves into a profound journey of personal growth and self-discovery. “Leave Behind Some Of Myself” is a powerful meditation on the necessity of shedding old, harmful aspects of oneself to make space for new growth. Lepine’s use of bold and layered composition reflects the complex and non-linear path of change.
Krystle Silverfox and Dustin Sheldon’s collaborative series, “Stealing the Light,” captures the ethereal movement of formline art through the unexpected use of long exposure black and white digital photography, with a light source painting. Inspired by Bill Reid’s iconic wire sculptures, Silverfox and Sheldon’s work melds tradition and innovation, inviting viewers to contemplate how Indigenous knowledge, stories, and expression are held within the body.
Robyn McLeod’s meticulously crafted coat is a testament to the resilience of cultural practices and the enduring legacy of ancestral knowledge. With its intricate beadwork, home-tanned moosehide, and netted rabbit construction, McLeod’s garment pays homage to her Dene roots while also serving as a vibrant expression of contemporary Indigenous identity and fashion.
IMAGE GALLERY
