The 2023 Yukon Prize stands as a testament to the multifaceted and vibrant landscape of art in the Yukon. The exhibition rejects the notion that any one label can define us, rather it celebrates the diversity of practice as varied and boundless as the northern landscapes that inspire us. From beadwork to indigenous comics, storytelling to installation art, soundscapes to photography, these artists transcend boundaries, challenge norms, and contribute to the Yukon’s artistic heritage.
We are profoundly grateful to our esteemed panel of jurors—Heather Iglorliorte, Michelle Jacques, and Sarah Milroy— who undertook the challenging task of selecting the artists featured in this exhibition and ultimately, the winner, Kaylyn Baker. Their thoughtful selection reflects their curiosity about the wide range of complex artistic expressions that emanate from this region. With each artist they chose, they unveiled a captivating facet of Yukon’s artistic identity, demonstrating the richness and depth of talent that flourishes in our remote northern territory.
“The 2023 Yukon Prize exhibition reflects the spirit of a territory that embraces tradition and innovation, the tangible and the abstract.”
The 2023 Yukon Prize has been awarded to Kaylyn Baker, a Northern Tutchone and Tlingit artist. Her mastery of beadwork is a practice that marries tradition with innovation. From jewelry to regalia to fashion, her works are a vivid expression of her beaded storytelling, a profound journey of self-discovery and a connection to her ancestors.
As a finalist, Jeffrey Langille takes us on an auditory and visual voyage. His work with sound and video is a fusion of the tangible and the ephemeral, inviting us to immerse ourselves in a sensory experience where chance and spontaneity reign. Through his innovative compositions, Langille redefines our perception of the world.
Rebekah Miller’s exploration of “skin” as a metaphor for identity and nature invites us to question our relationship with the natural world. Her multidisciplinary approach, spanning drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography, reimagines our connection to our surroundings, urging us to look beyond the surface.
Cole Pauls, a Champagne and Aishihik Citizen and Tahltan comic artist, has embarked on a mission to tell the stories of Yukon First Nations authentically. Through his comics, infused with traditional language and culture, he dispels stereotypes and provides a window into the rich traditions of Yukon Indigenous communities.
Omar Reyna Flores, a Mexican-Canadian artist, blurs the boundaries between the real and the imagined through photography-based projects. His art is an exploration of the unseen, a journey into the philosophical and poetic aspects of image-making.
Alainnah Whachell’s meticulous beadwork challenges our consumer-driven society, offering a unique commentary on the allure of fashion imagery. Her transformation of digital screenshots into tactile art is a thought-provoking exploration of desire and materiality in the digital age.
The 2023 Yukon Prize exhibition reflects the spirit of a territory that embraces tradition and innovation, the tangible and the abstract. As we explore these artists’ works, we are reminded that art, like the Yukon itself, is an ever-evolving landscape, one that resists categorization and thrives on the creativity of its inhabitants. We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of these talented artists, to celebrate their unique voices, and let their works spark conversations.