The exhibition Li Salay ran from May 25 to September 9, 2018 at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Li Salay (Michif for “the sun”) focused on the work of Métis artists from across Canada, stems from co-curators Amy Malbeuf and Jessie Ray Short’s intensive, cross-Canada research and studio visits with over forty Métis artists in 2016 and 2017. Their research revealed the emergence of common, and often intersecting, themes in the artists work, including kinship, labour, the body and land.
Li Salay examines the shifting boundaries of contemporary Métis artistic practice in an exhibition curated by and comprised of Métis artists.
During the opening weekend of Li Salay, the Art Gallery of Alberta hosted the Li Salay Symposium on May 25 and 26. Below you'll find videos of these panel discussions.
Day 1:
In this session, Li Salay artists engaged in a discussion of the themes surrounding their individual practices in a context of Métis art as well as their motivations and inspirations in participating in this exhibition. Curators Amy Malbeuf and Jessie Ray Short moderated the discussion, seeking to delve into the depth and breadth of Métis art practices represented in Li Salay.
Artists: Lori Blondeau, Katherine Boyer, Dayna Danger, Rosalie Favell, Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill, Casey Koyczan, Tim Moore, Audie Murray, Sheri Nault, Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette, Les Ramsay, Jewel Shaw, Amanda Strong.
Day 2:
In this session, panelists speak to the history, present and future of Métis arts practice and the importance of this discussion in the context of Li Salay. Dr. Erin Sutherland moderates the discussion with panelists around the representation and lack of representation of Métis art and critical dialogues to continue beyond the context of Li Salay.
Panelists: Marilyn Dumont, Cathy Mattes, MJ Belcourt Moses and Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette
Moderator: Dr. Erin Sutherland