May 4 – June 22, 2024
Opening: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Creation Stories: Eruoma Awashish, Kaylyn Baker, Haley Bassett, Mel Beaulieu, Jordan Bennett, Alison Bremner, Glenna Cardinal, Christian Chapman, Craig Commanda, Renée Condo, Seth Dodginghorse, Tarralik Duffy, Marcy Friesen, Jay Havens, Cora Kavyaktok, Uumati Kisoun-Inuarak, Corey Larocque, Cheyenne Rain LeGrande, Maria-Margaretta, Calvin Morberg, Meagan Musseau, Lisa Myers, Melaw Nakehk’o, Luke Parnell, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, Shane Perley-Dutcher, Melissa Peter-Paul, Jobena Petonoquot, Sandra Racine, Natasha Sacobie, Heather Shillinglaw, Jason Sikoak, Michelle Sound, Alan Sylliboy
Curators: Lori Beavis, Emma Hassencahl-Perley, Jake Kimble, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé
The Biennale d’art contemporain autochtone (BACA), 7th edition
Art Mûr
Montreal, QC
The curators for the 7th edition of BACA came together across Nations and territories to create a series of exhibitions with works by more than 60 artists—each of the seven exhibition sites for the overarching one of Creation Stories.
For us, as curators, Creation Stories represents a circle encompassing various narratives and ways of understanding the universe. Within this circle, we encounter distinct yet interconnected themes: Turtle Island and the tale of Sky Woman, symbolizing life itself; the Stories of Place, echoing the voices of those who have stewarded the land across time; the cardinal Directions of Spirit – Heart – Mind – Body, guiding our inner journeys; the sacred Medicines from the land that sustain and purify; the enigmatic realm of Supernatural, and the Roots and Revelations that shape our collective consciousness.
In this exhibition, the art speaks of family, relationships, history, and the enduring legacy of colonization. The artists share their knowledge gained through lived experiences and distinct cultural legacies, offering insights into identities, communities, and spiritualities of Indigenous cultures across territories. Each artist contributes to a rich tapestry of narratives, providing a glimpse into the complexities of human existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Together, they weave a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, inviting reflection and contemplation.
The Biennale d’art contemporain autochtone (BACA) would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts, the Quebec government (Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Fonds d’investissement pour le rayonnement de la Métropole, Secrétariat des affaires Autochtones), the Conseil des arts de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, its presentation partners and its media partners.
Launched in 2012, the Contemporary Native Art Biennial (BACA) is a Montreal-based non-profit organization (registered in 2016) that promotes the work of Indigenous artists. The biennial is held every two years, in multiple venues, with each iteration focusing on a specific theme. The event is aimed at an ever-growing audience—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—and features both emerging and established artists. Our mission is to promote Indigenous art and to sensitize and educate the public on the cultural issues of the First Nations.
