Bill Reid Gallery presents our newest mezzanine exhibition, 13 Moons Around the Lake, an exhibition curated by Nlaka’pamux artist Nadine Spence. This exhibition is part of a larger, multi-year project titled Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey. 13 Moons Around the Lake celebrates and honours Indigenous grandmothers, family, the lands, the waters, and the salmon cycle in Southern British Columbia.
This exhibition will feature several designed bentwood chests, chest carrier platforms, Nlaka'pamux regalia, blankets, and other artworks by Indigenous artists from a variety of BC nations, which depict their own individual histories, stories, and healing journeys.
The opening celebration will take place on Tuesday, October 24th from 6-8 pm at the gallery. The event will be live-streamed and admission is free for everyone. Join us in celebrating the opening with the featured artists and guest curator. Food and refreshments will be provided.
13 Moons Around the Lake, 2023 - Felt, ink, pencil crayon
Nadine Spence and Chelanne Adams
Curator's Statement
If you want to better understand the story behind this exhibition, read the curator's statement below, crafted by Nadine Spence.
"In a movement that honours their grandmothers, the natural world, and the wild salmon, Indigenous artists from various nations come together to share their stories. 13 Moons Around the Lake pays tribute to the grandmothers who were once babies, children, youth, and mothers in their lifetime.
We remember them being our foundation in all their powerful teachings, support, and love that they shared with their children, grandchildren, and community. Genocide and colonization has broken many of these connections. Despite the disconnect, the featured artists in this exhibition continue to honour those relationships and pay their respects to their grandmother's through song, written word, visual art, and ceremony.
The title 13 Moons Around the Lake represents the year 2023, which has 13 moons in the calendar year and is connected to the journey of the salmon and human life cycle. Featured in this exhibition are a variety of pieces that reflect on the history and continued story of Honouring Our Grandmother’s Healing Journey, including artists who have created regalia, quilts, and original artworks.
Within the art that I’ve personally created for this exhibition is a direct influence from my late father and Nlaka’pamux artist, Roger Spence. Not having the opportunity to collaborate with him led to the inclusion of his own original artworks alongside my own, helping me on my own healing journey".
- Nadine Spence
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