Art Vancouver presents Censorship in Indigenous Art: Unveiling Challenges in Public and Media Spaces.
Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre East - Hall B
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Panelists:
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JAMES DARIN CORBIERE
An Anishinaabe teacher from Northern Ontario now resides and works in Prince George, BC. Formerly a police officer with the City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario, James taught Indigenous languages in the Algoma District School Board. His journey as an artist began in November 2015, utilizing ink on White Ash as his exclusive medium, often enhanced with elements of Copper. Noteworthy creations include "Gii wed Anong," an Indigenous graphic novel series, as well as the educational resource "Truth in Truth and Reconciliation Board Game," alongside approximately 130 other pieces of ink on Ash. Currently, James supports Indigenous learners within the local school board in Prince George, while dedicating his spare time to furthering his artistic endeavors.
SHERRY LEIGH WILLIAMS
A versatile artist known for her exploration of Indigenous heritage and advocacy for Indigenous issues. Graduating from the Victoria College of Art in 2004, she pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Art with Distinction from the University of Victoria in 2019. Besides being an accomplished artist, Sherry has taught at Camosun College, written for publication, and acted in notable productions like "Bones of Crows." As a mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, she balances family life with her creative pursuits. Inspired by her Coast Salish roots and ancestral journey, Sherry's artwork reflects themes of resilience and heritage. Drawing from both Indigenous and European influences, her work often incorporates patchwork-style painting and sculptural elements. Through her art, Sherry aims to shed light on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and promote understanding and respect for their cultures.
SUSAN L. GREIG
An award winning Métis commission artist who captures the energy of nature in her contemporary landscape paintings. She founded Braid St Studios and Gallery, the largest working art studio outside of Vancouver in 2014, and has been a business mentor to over one hundred artists during this time. As a gallerist she has over ten years of curatorial experience in her own space, has overseen the International Artists Day Anonymous Art show and has adjudicated for various arts councils, city art programs/galleries and arts festivals in the lower mainland.
JAMES GROENING
Also known as Blue Sky, James is a Cree artist based in Burnaby, originally from Kahkewistahaw Band, Turtle Island. Despite being adopted by his white grandparents during the Sixties Scoop and raised in a farm community in Plains Cree Territory, Groening retained his Indian name given by his grandfather. Discovering Coast Salish art forms, particularly drawing a Haida-style hummingbird, sparked his journey to reclaim his Indigeneity after meeting his maternal mother and learning of his heritage. Apprenticing briefly with Ojibway artist Mark Anthony Jacobson to learn the Woodland Art style, Groening continues to explore painting and drum making under the mentorship of Anishinaabe artist Saul Williams. Led by artistic intuition and native legends, Groening's vibrant designs reflect his healing and growth journey, aiming to revitalize his cultural identity through art-making and teaching. Gratefully receiving grants and completing a residency, he has exhibited widely and led workshops across various Indigenous territories, actively creating and learning.