the lands refusal
Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet & Julia Rose Sutherland
Main Space
October 29–December 14, 2024
Opening Reception: October 26, 2024
Photo courtesy of Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet
KIONA CALLIHOO LIGTVOET
Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist practicing in amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory. She grew up West of the city near the hamlet of Calahoo where she lived with her relatives on scrip land. Her family lines are Cree and Métis descending from Michel First Nation, as well as Dutch and mixed European.
Kiona works in painting, printmaking, drawing and installation, recollecting personal stories of grief and tenderness. Her practice uses a non-linear telling of her memories through narrative work as a form of diaristic archiving. It draws from feelings of loss and enfranchisement, but also from deep belly laughter, mundane gestures, and a gentle fondness for where the histories between herself and her family overlap and disperse.
Kiona has had solo exhibitions at The New Gallery, Calgary, AB; Harcourt House, Edmonton, AB; and Latitude 53, Edmonton, AB. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions at Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre, Edmonton, AB; Khyber Art Centre, Halifax, NS; Neutral Ground, Regina, SK; and Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. She co-curated these bodies heal slowly and in our own time (2023-24) and the soil between plants (2022) with Making Space, and What’s Held through TREX and the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie (2022).
Kiona was a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Emerging Artist Award (2022) and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023). Her debut graphic novel with Conundrum Press, We Were Younger Once (2022), was a nominee for the The Doug Wright Award for emerging talent, and she is working on her second graphic novel to be released by Emanata Press in 2027.
Working alongside other artists in initiatives of community care, Kiona co-organizes Making Space in partnership with Sanaa Humayun. She likes visiting her moshom on the farm and gossiping with her mom, relatives, and friends on the prairies.
Julia Rose Sutherland, sama'latl
JULIA ROSE SUTHERLAND
JRS or Julia Rose Sutherland (she/they) is a storyteller, interdisciplinary artist, and educator/ Assistant Professor at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada. She is of Mi’kmaq (Metepenagiag Nation) and settler descent, with a rich background in Studio Arts and Craft and New Media. Holding an MFA from the University at Buffalo and a BFA from Alberta College of Art + Design, Sutherland navigates the intersections of art, activism, and academia. Sutherland’s artistic practice is marked by a commitment to expanding the concept of testimony in the realm of human rights and social justice. Their work delves into the often-overlooked narratives of slow violence, unspoken testimonies, and testimonies of joy and hope. Their solo exhibitions, such as "Netuisget NISSING" and "GINA'MATIMG TIME OF ACQUIRING LEARNING," showcase a profound exploration of these themes, challenging conventional narratives and providing a platform for marginalized Indigenous voices.
In addition to solo exhibitions, Sutherland actively participates in group exhibitions nationally and internationally, contributing to renowned events like the DesignTO Festival, Art Toronto, and the Contemporary Native Art Biennial. Their participation in exhibitions curated by institutions like The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery reflects their dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and engaging in critical dialogues.
Sutherland’s artistic contributions extend beyond gallery walls. Their work has been featured in publications and media, including an upcoming Front Cover Art Feature for Room Magazine. Notable the cover and interview in Trauma-Informed Pedagogy: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the Classroom. She has been interviewed and featured in The Globe and Mail's Style Magazine, the front cover of Esse magazine, and Art Toronto Panel Discussions, which highlight JRS's influence in decolonizing museums and promoting Indigeneity.
As an award-winning artist, Sutherland has received accolades such as OCAD University's Teaching Award and the Sustainable Futures Faculty Fellowship. Their dedication to sustainable pedagogy is evident through guest lectures, workshops, and participation as a jury member in various Arts and Crafts organizations.
Sutherland's impact is not confined to the art world; they actively shape the artistic landscape. Serving as a jury member for prestigious organizations like the Ontario Arts Council and the Alberta Print Makers, JRS contributes to the selection and recognition of emerging artists.
With upcoming residencies at the Headlands Center for the Arts and past experiences at BEMIS Center for Contemporary Arts and Calgary Women's Centre, JRS continues to expand their artistic horizons. Their work transcends borders, with virtual residencies and lectures at institutions like Weber State University in Utah.
A passion marks Sutherland’s journey for dismantling traditional narratives, exploring the diverse facets of testimony, and contributing to the evolution of contemporary art. Through their art, education, and advocacy, Sutherland stands at the forefront of artists challenging the status quo, envisioning a future where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.