I had the privilege of attending the preview of “Radical Stitch” at the National Gallery of Canada, which opens to the public on May 16, 2024.
The exhibition is a breathtaking showcase of beadwork by Indigenous artists, including Barry Ace, Nico Williams, Skawennati, Katherine Boyer, Teri Greeves, and many others.
Each piece is a testament to the skill, creativity, and cultural significance of beadwork in Indigenous art.
This collection beautifully highlights the vibrant traditions and contemporary expressions of Indigenous communities, making it a must-see.
About the exhibition:
Beading is one of the defining mediums of contemporary Indigenous art on this continent, and this landmark exhibition brings much-needed critical attention to the breadth and impact of this practice.
From early beads made of seeds and shells, to trade beads and computer pixels, Indigenous artists have long used beadwork to tell stories, honour loved ones, and celebrate beauty. As they embrace techniques and knowledge passed from previous generations, today’s Indigenous artists are using beading to address concerns and concepts related to history, decolonization and resistance.
Ranging from wearable art and portraiture, to installation and video, the works in Radical Stitch connect past and present, as they imagine new worlds. With humour, poignant testimony, and political and social commentary, this exciting exhibition examines the contemporary and transformative aspects of beading through the innovative works of artists and the tactile beauty of the medium.
The exhibition runs until September 30, 2024.
Check out the gallery.
Radical Stitch @ National Gallery of Canada
