Rez Erect: Native Erotica
The Bill Reid Gallery presents RezErect: Native Erotica, a fresh, playful, provocative insight into sensuality and sexuality. The exhibition features works by 27 mid-career and internationally recognized First Nations artists from the Northwest Coast and central Canada.
Co-curated by Haida Artist, Gwaai Edenshaw and Curator/Programmer, Kwiaahwah Jones, this exhibition celebrates that essential force, the reason we all exist today. A few of the participating artists include: Nicholas Galanin, Shawn Hunt, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Dionne Paul, Preston Singletary, Sanford Williams and Alida Kinnie Starr.
In the words of Gwaai Edenshaw, "There have always been those in our community who have shared a very different story, a complex and nuanced narrative. Sex figures prominently in aboriginal stories across the continent, as sexual humour, playful irreverence, spiritual reverence, place names, morality tales or other meanings lost in time. In my world, it's a safe bet that the laughter coming from that group of grandmothers over there drinking tea is partly triggered by sexual innuendo. We hope to carry on that tradition here - sexy, intelligent, fun and provocative".
RezErect: Native Erotica is a powerful platform. Artists draw their inspiration from diverse sources: the natural world, language, oral histories, creation stories, ancient songs of love and heartbreak, dance, ceremony, traditional foods, working with wood and natural fibres. Works offer vivid glimpses of the artists' identities, but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of everyone in their Nation.
"Artists share a passion for their culture, and strive to transform public opinion on the collective understanding of First Nations' people and cultures'" said Co-Curator, Kwiaahwah Jones. "The works will challenge you to look at sexuality. They might make you laugh, blush, cry or even leave you hungry".
A variety of programming is planned including: storytelling, a brown paper book club, a panel on the pornification of society, nude drawing classes and burlesque.
Exhibition Partners
Exhibition Dates
September 25, 2013 – April 20, 2014
