Madweyàshkà | Like a Wave
Madweyàshkà | Like a Wave
June 18, 2024 - May 19, 2025
This exhibition highlights a selection of works of art by First Nations and Métis artists from the Canada Council Art Bank collection. The Art Bank, which has proudly featured works by Indigenous artists since its inception in 1972, further supports the Canada Council’s commitment to public engagement and diversity.
Madweyàshkà | Like a Wave presents works by Barry Ace, Carl Beam, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Rosalie Favell, Greg A. Hill, Robert Houle, Nadia Myre, David Neel, Shelley Niro, Edward Poitras, Jane Ash Poitras, Michael Robinson and Jeff Thomas.
Curatorial Statement
“Madweyàshkà. The waves hit the shore, the sound as unbroken and inherent as our breathing. The experience of being Indigenous in Canada means some days are spent drowning in the tsunami of chaos. Then the waves retreat, and we rise up with strength. Over and again, there is a constant ebb and flow, like a wave. It never ceases, and we are always braced for the next impact.
Indigenous artists share a different perspective on history, including both the rise and fall of our cultural freedom. This is represented in the collection of pieces created over the span of 30 years. Everything is connected—our teachings and timelines are not linear, and we are guided by those who came before us. These artists have influenced and inspired each other, cutting new paths with the driving force of the strongest wave.”
— Olivia Kristoff
About the curator
Olivia Kristoff is an emerging curator and writer from the Cowessess First Nation currently based in Saskatoon (Treaty 6 Territory), Saskatchewan. Her work focuses on language revitalization, storytelling as an art form and land-based knowledge in art practices.
“When up against an obstacle, water flows around it and does not stop. Neither will we.
We adapt, we persist, and our resilience ripples through generations.”
– Olivia Kristoff
Enhance your visit of Madweyàshkà | Like a Wave
Discover the artists and their work with audio and exclusive content on the Art Bank Web app. Available on any device.
About the Art Bank
The Canada Council Art Bank makes contemporary art available to a wide public across the country through art rental, exhibitions and outreach activities. With more than 17,000 works by over 3,000 artists, the Art Bank is home to the largest collection of contemporary Canadian art in the world. It houses paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and prints by emerging and established artists, including a significant number of works by Indigenous artists.