Ingrained Stories in June

Hello People of Quesnel,

How are you this fine day (as long as it's not hailing outside)? Things here at the gallery are looking pretty blue. Not sad, literally blue. Our current show by indigenous artist, Darin Corbiere, is called "Ingrained Stories: What the Wood Said to Me" and it's on until June 25th at the Quesnel Art Gallery and Gift Shop. This exhibition is a departure from what we normally show at the gallery, but it is relevant to current events in BC and couldn't be shown at a more important time. Darin Corbiere's works are at times unsettling, detailed, and powerful, featuring ink drawings on pieces of wood. The works are shown under black light, which brings out the colours of the ink, while drawing viewers in to see the details.

On top of using this unconventional lighting system, there are stories posted on the walls accompanying most of the works. Darin Corbiere mixes indigenous mythology with personal stories and beliefs to create a fantastic experience in this exhibition. He discusses Sitting Bull, Mother Earth, the Catholic Church, and stories surrounding origin and sexuality. This show could not have come at a more important time; when these are the voices and stories that need to be heard.

James Darin Corbiere is from Wikwemikong, an Indigenous community on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He is Anishinaabe, and was living in Prince George, BC, until recently. He now resides on Vancouver Island, and came back for a few days to install the show. We also have prints available in the gift shop for purchase, and images of the show online if you are unable to attend in person. Do not miss this timely, and significant show. I will post updates on what's coming up in the gallery in a separate post.

- Tanya Nielsen (Member-at-Large)

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