“Transits and Returns brings together the work of 21 Indigenous artists from across the Great Ocean and offers a closer look at what connects their practices but also how they are distinct.”
Vancouver Art Gallery
What better way to begin the week than with a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery?
Five Indigenous curators: Tarah Hogue (Senior Curatoral Fellow of Indigenous Art at the Gallery), Sarah Biscarra Dilley, Freja Carmichael, Léuli Eshrāghi and Lana Lopesi created a vibrant exhibition that celebrated the journeys of participating artists.
I was overwhelmed with this brilliant collaboration showcasing the rich artistry, craft and creative spirit of cultures, places and stories. Join me on a Sunday Evening Reflection with Transits and Returns.
For more photos of the extraordinary exhibition, please link into my SmugMug Photo Gallery
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22 thoughts on “Sunday Evening Reflection: Transits and Returns”
Rebecca, your video and accompanying music was such a pleasure for the eye, ear and heart. An absolute joy! The art highlighted also so beautiful.
It never fails to calm. The indigenous peoples of the world imbue into their craftsmanship their connection to our Earth. One can’t walk away without somehow feeling a greater sense of osmosis of ideas and cultures removed from the angst and rush of our western culture.
How beautifully said, Carolyn. This is one of the most profound and moving exhibitions that I have experienced. The dining table ready to welcome, the words “How I Long For Home” a cry from the heart of humanity. Growing up in Northern Manitoba where the winter temperatures were extreme, the only thing that kept my feet warm walking 3/4 mile to school was mukluks that had intricate beading created by a local indigenous woman. The mukluks carried me through many years. Now, I have the preserved beading to remember and celebrate. Thanks for stopping by…Hugs!
Thank you for sharing this exhibit with us, Rebecca. The traditions are artistry represented here are a perfect Sunday reflection. I was particularly struck by the diversity of the artwork in the exhibit.
I agree – every time I entered a new room, there was a new theme and message. There were 21 Indigenous artists that reflected their individual cultures. This is from the Vancouver Art Gallery – a better description that I could give: “These forces of situatedness and mobility work in synergy and in tension with one another, shaping the multiple ways of understanding and being Indigenous today. Within the exhibition, these dual realities are explored through themes of movement, territory, kinship and representation, with many artworks inhabiting multiple categories. The resulting presentation foregrounds the creative sovereignty of each artist to determine their own articulations of the world, while also exploring the resonances between them.” I am in the middle of reading Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson by Mark Bourrie. It is an extraordinary read, based on his diaries (how did he find time to write and live and extraordinary life.). What comes through is the immense diversity of the Indigenous cultures. Thanks for joining me tonight. I always appreciate our conversations.
I am so glad that you enjoyed the SmugMug photos. A few years back, I was overwhelmed by the amount of photos I had accumulated. I wondered how I would ever be able to archive the moments beyond time and location and indeed, whether it would be of interest to others. Photos are great but they must have a story behind them, which is what you do brilliantly, Julie. I have been going through my photos – and it has been a slow process, especially when I am dealing with slides etc. As I look back, every house that I have lived in has been demolished, even my grandparents homes that I remember from my childhood. So now, I’m collecting the stories that happened within their walls. I admire diarists who can live and write at the same time – the live life twice. I love Gertrude Stein’s thinking on keeping a diary. “A diary means yes indeed.”
Lovely Vimeo, Rebecca. The beautiful artwork is very similar to that which we get in South Africa. The artistry is stunning and obviously represents many hours of devotion. 😍
You are so right. I was calculating the amount of time that went into each art piece. I remember trying to learn to knit and crochet (I finally figured out how to crochet, but knitting – alas) and found that craft/art projects are a labour a love. I attempted to learn beading and again was amazed by the creativity and time that was required to master the craft. I enjoy my visits to art galleries!!
Thank you for sharing this stunning exhibit. Besides the beautiful art, just knowing the curators are indigenous is meaningful. We’ve all come a long way from looking at art and artifacts as created by ancient people. These contemporary creations are created by living communities as different from one another as anyone else!
I am delighted that you joined me on a tour of this exhibit. According to my father, my great-great grandmother was Indigenous – Sioux, but the photos of her have been lost as is her story. That is why I am dedicated to telling the stories of our generation. I was reading a little of William Morris this morning and came by his thought: “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” William Morris
Fab, Rebecca! Your video tours are the bee’s knees. Thank you so much!
There has always seemed to be a distinction between Arts & Crafts.
I see them as one and the same, yet different. There is craft in art, and art in crafts.
I have been very interested in the Arts & Crafts movement that came during the Industrial Revolution. John Ruskin and William Morris had a strong connection to nature and lived their lives within that structure. One of my favourite quotes is – and I know you have heard it before too, but is is worth repeating: If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris
Interesting.. The Industrial Revolution 1760-1830(ish) or Second Industrial Revolution. It seems John Ruskin’s life spanned both. Did the 2 know each other? Rebecca, I don’t know that quote, but it’s a good one!
Thank you, Rebecca!
John Ruskin did know the Pre-Raphaelites so Morris and Ruskinwould have known each other. John Ruskin lived February 1819 – January 1900). William Morris lived March 1834 – October 1896. The more I read about these artists, the more intrigued I am by their complex narratives. So glad you like the quote. Hugs!
Lady Budd 
Rebecca, your video and accompanying music was such a pleasure for the eye, ear and heart. An absolute joy! The art highlighted also so beautiful.
It never fails to calm. The indigenous peoples of the world imbue into their craftsmanship their connection to our Earth. One can’t walk away without somehow feeling a greater sense of osmosis of ideas and cultures removed from the angst and rush of our western culture.
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How beautifully said, Carolyn. This is one of the most profound and moving exhibitions that I have experienced. The dining table ready to welcome, the words “How I Long For Home” a cry from the heart of humanity. Growing up in Northern Manitoba where the winter temperatures were extreme, the only thing that kept my feet warm walking 3/4 mile to school was mukluks that had intricate beading created by a local indigenous woman. The mukluks carried me through many years. Now, I have the preserved beading to remember and celebrate. Thanks for stopping by…Hugs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing this exhibit with us, Rebecca. The traditions are artistry represented here are a perfect Sunday reflection. I was particularly struck by the diversity of the artwork in the exhibit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – every time I entered a new room, there was a new theme and message. There were 21 Indigenous artists that reflected their individual cultures. This is from the Vancouver Art Gallery – a better description that I could give: “These forces of situatedness and mobility work in synergy and in tension with one another, shaping the multiple ways of understanding and being Indigenous today. Within the exhibition, these dual realities are explored through themes of movement, territory, kinship and representation, with many artworks inhabiting multiple categories. The resulting presentation foregrounds the creative sovereignty of each artist to determine their own articulations of the world, while also exploring the resonances between them.” I am in the middle of reading Bush Runner: The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson by Mark Bourrie. It is an extraordinary read, based on his diaries (how did he find time to write and live and extraordinary life.). What comes through is the immense diversity of the Indigenous cultures. Thanks for joining me tonight. I always appreciate our conversations.
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I knew I was in for a treat when I watched the video. Beautiful Rebecca.
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Thank you so much for sharing this moment with me, Cindy. Many hugs!
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Ah, my dear Rebecca you took me on a wonderful trip this morning! Thank you so much! 🙂 xoxoxoxo
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I am thrilled that you joined me on this adventures. I enjoy our conversations. Hugs and more hugs!
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I’m also thrilled to!!!!! Many many more hugs! xoxoxoxo
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Extraordinary exhibition. I enjoyed the detailed SmugMug photos, especially.
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I am so glad that you enjoyed the SmugMug photos. A few years back, I was overwhelmed by the amount of photos I had accumulated. I wondered how I would ever be able to archive the moments beyond time and location and indeed, whether it would be of interest to others. Photos are great but they must have a story behind them, which is what you do brilliantly, Julie. I have been going through my photos – and it has been a slow process, especially when I am dealing with slides etc. As I look back, every house that I have lived in has been demolished, even my grandparents homes that I remember from my childhood. So now, I’m collecting the stories that happened within their walls. I admire diarists who can live and write at the same time – the live life twice. I love Gertrude Stein’s thinking on keeping a diary. “A diary means yes indeed.”
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Thank goodness for digital. I would need a spare room for my photos!
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I laughed out loud when I read you comment!!!
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Lovely Vimeo, Rebecca. The beautiful artwork is very similar to that which we get in South Africa. The artistry is stunning and obviously represents many hours of devotion. 😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are so right. I was calculating the amount of time that went into each art piece. I remember trying to learn to knit and crochet (I finally figured out how to crochet, but knitting – alas) and found that craft/art projects are a labour a love. I attempted to learn beading and again was amazed by the creativity and time that was required to master the craft. I enjoy my visits to art galleries!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing this stunning exhibit. Besides the beautiful art, just knowing the curators are indigenous is meaningful. We’ve all come a long way from looking at art and artifacts as created by ancient people. These contemporary creations are created by living communities as different from one another as anyone else!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am delighted that you joined me on a tour of this exhibit. According to my father, my great-great grandmother was Indigenous – Sioux, but the photos of her have been lost as is her story. That is why I am dedicated to telling the stories of our generation. I was reading a little of William Morris this morning and came by his thought: “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” William Morris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab, Rebecca! Your video tours are the bee’s knees. Thank you so much!
There has always seemed to be a distinction between Arts & Crafts.
I see them as one and the same, yet different. There is craft in art, and art in crafts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been very interested in the Arts & Crafts movement that came during the Industrial Revolution. John Ruskin and William Morris had a strong connection to nature and lived their lives within that structure. One of my favourite quotes is – and I know you have heard it before too, but is is worth repeating: If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting.. The Industrial Revolution 1760-1830(ish) or Second Industrial Revolution. It seems John Ruskin’s life spanned both. Did the 2 know each other? Rebecca, I don’t know that quote, but it’s a good one!
Thank you, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 1 person
John Ruskin did know the Pre-Raphaelites so Morris and Ruskinwould have known each other. John Ruskin lived February 1819 – January 1900). William Morris lived March 1834 – October 1896. The more I read about these artists, the more intrigued I am by their complex narratives. So glad you like the quote. Hugs!
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xoxo
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