Local Indigenous artist contributes art
A new painting titled caxalqs — red dress by Syilx artist Sheldon Pierre Louis has been added to UBC Okanagan’s Public Art Collection. The painting depicts an Indigenous woman wearing a red dress and a face mask.
The Okanagan School of Education worked with Dr. Stacey Koosel, UBC Okanagan art gallery curator to commission the new addition.
“We are excited to add this new work to our collection, as Sheldon Pierre Louis is an important Syilx artist with tremendous talent, bravery and influence,” said Koosel. “This is the first work of his that we have the honour of adding to our public art collection.”
The painting is located in Tower One on the third floor of the Engineering, Management and Education building.
“It is particularly important for the Okanagan School of Education community to recognize the significance of Indigenous histories, cultures, knowledges, and identities, reflected in the learning environment,” said Margaret Macintyre Latta, director of the
Okanagan School of Education.
Art, Louis said, can be an educational tool, a conversational opening as well as a political weapon.
“As a Syilx artist I have always sought to use my art as a catalyst for discussion, to create spaces where uncomfortable issues can be brought forward into the societal dialogue to be given a voice,” he adds.
This particular piece of work has many levels, he explains. The canvas highlights the current times, as the mask represents the pandemic, and in some cases has been seen as a symbol of the “oppression” society is experiencing.
Louis says the viewer will see the Indigenous woman wearing a mask and standing strong. In her stance, she shows the mask in this instance does not hinder her strength or resolve. The elk teeth on the red dress are a symbol of her deeply rooted and celebrated importance and worth in Indigenous society. The red dress is a symbol for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) Movement.
“By placing this image out into the public area of the campus it gives voice, and hopefully a sense, that the issues and concerns and spirits of our women will not be silenced and will not go unnoticed,” he added.
Louis will host an artist talk online on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Register for the talk at events.ok.ubc.ca/event/sheldon-pierrelouis-artist-talk.