Creation Stories: Supernatural

June 8 – September 8, 2024
Opening reception: Saturday, June 8, 1 to 5 p.m.
Creation Stories: Supernatural: Christian Chapman, Bronson Jacque, Uumati Kisoun-Inuarak, Casey Koyczan, Corey Larocque, Natasha Sacobie, Jason Sikoak, Krystle Silverfox, Michelle Sound, Joseph Tisiga
Curators: Lori Beavis, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Jake Kimble, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé
The Biennale d’art contemporain autochtone (BACA), 7th edition
EXPRESSION, Centre d’exposition de Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Beyond scientific understanding and the laws of nature, supernatural storytelling lies. Stories across our diverse communities relay ways of creation and belief systems that inform our cultural practices and, ultimately, our identities. Familiar characters, such as the Trickster, appear in many communities, offering us guidance and ways of challenging societal norms. Teachable moments are embedded in many of these stories, to pass along valuable lessons to future generations. And perhaps, the most common and important stories are those of creation. The stories of where we come from as Nations are what make us Indigenous Peoples and it is within these stories that we find our beliefs, voices, and powers.

The artworks featured in EXPRESSION are, each in their own right, strong, but when put together become significantly impactful and thought-provoking. Each artist brought with them striking compilations in a variety of media, including installation, sculpture, painting, drawing, and video work. The mere sizes of many of the works are otherworldly, not to mention their content. We ask audience members to allow yourselves to be embraced by the supernatural.