Live Mixtape Art Exhibition to Open During Black History Month at WAG-Qaumajuq

by ahnationtalk on February 4, 202530 Views

Feb 4, 2025

Threads of Kin and Belonging launches February 7 with dynamic programming where Black and Indigenous voices intertwine

Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 4, 2025: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is excited to announce the opening of the new exhibition, Threads of Kin and Belonging: A Trinnipeg Living Mixtape Project. This intervention between Indigenous and Black communities is about creating, defining, and collaborating in a space co-curated by Nestor Wynrush and Julia Lafreniere, and co-produced with Synonym Arts Consultation.

The exhibition launches with a free celebration on February 7, 2025 at 7pm, during Black History Month, and culminates on Saturday June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. The exhibition runs until September. Along the way, there will be regular opportunities for the public to join in artwork and storytelling workshops, conversations, and a live music event on June 21 to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day.

Exploring the collective histories of Indigenous and Black communities, as well as their unique, but combined futures, Threads of Kin and Belonging will write a narrative in collaboration with artists, musicians, and community members. There are stories in these histories and present existence that have yet to be shared. There is empathy to be developed, conversations to be had, and ideas to explore.

Quick Facts:

  • The new exhibition Threads of Kin and Belonging is an intervention and conversation between Indigenous and Black communities on Treaty One Territory.
    The show asks questions like, what does it mean to reclaim and rematriate your sense of self; and how do we express these common threads, while supporting and loving each other and our unique perspectives?
  • Threads of Kin and Belonging is co-curated by Nestor Wynrush, founder and artistic director of Trinnipeg Live Mixtape. He is a Winnipeg-based emcee, writer, organizer, and workshop facilitator, drawing inspiration from his Caribbean roots and passion for hip hop music.
  • Co-curator Julia Lafreniere is the Head of Indigenous Ways & Learning at WAG-Qaumajuq. She is a proud Michif and Anishinaabe woman who is claimed by and belongs to Miinegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation on Treaty 4 Territory.
  • Featured artists include Kimani Beckford, caneu, Rosalie Favell, Bria Fernandes, Alex Janvier, patchwork monoceros, Ebony G. Patterson, Betty Piryuaq, Jane Ash Poitras, Lorna Simpson, Jeffrey Thomas, Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, and Walter Williams.
  • The public is invited on Friday, February 7 at 7pm for the free opening celebration with a prayer from Elder Dr. Albert McLeod and remarks from Judy Williams, organizers, as well as music and the first chance to see the exhibition. ASL interpretation will be available.
  • Public programming will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition and include a rooftop concert at WAG-Qaumajuq on National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, 2025, ASL interpretation will be available.
  • Throughout the duration of the show, the public will have opportunities to pre-register to participate in art and storytelling workshops, conversations, and live music events. Watch wag.ca/threads for event dates and registration info.

Quotes:

“Threads of Kin and Belonging is an important step on WAG-Qaumajuq’s journey towards decolonizing the Gallery and de-centering traditional, settler perspectives and experiences. We are proud to present this exhibition, which brings together the work of talented artists who explore the connections between identity, culture, and the threads that bind us. Congratulations to the curators and artists, and thank you to our partners Synonym Arts Consultation and the Canada Council for the Arts.”

— Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq

“I am truly excited that WAG-Qaumajuq is hosting the first-ever visual art exhibition in conjunction with the Trinnipeg Live Mixtape project, which has been a vibrant part of our community for years. By opening this exhibition during Black History Month and celebrating its culmination with a concert on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are not only honoring the rich cultural contributions of both Black and Indigenous communities, but also reinforcing the power of unity. This is a testament to the strength we find in moving forward together, with all our voices heard and celebrating our future ancestors together.”

— Julia Lafreniere, Co-curator, Head of Indigenous Ways & Learning, WAG-Qaumajuq

“Art helps us learn about each other, understand each other, it creates empathy, it’s a very powerful tool and I’m excited to share this exhibition and its messages with people. Thank you to all the wonderful folks who helped to make this happen – the artists, the community, Synonym Arts Consultation, Julia Lafreniere, the staff at WAG-Qaumajuq, and Manitoba Arts Council, thank you for your support of the Live Trinnipeg Mixtape Project.”

— Nestor Wynrush, Co-curator, Founder, Trinnipeg Live Mixtape

“Respect is a fundamental string which allows us to bond in the environment of differences. It is amazing to see the similarities between distant relatives through a medium that we are all passionately engaged in. I am grateful to be part of this conversation Threads of Kin and Belonging while looking forward to extended dialogues.”

— Kimani Beckford, Artist

“I am incredibly excited to be part of Threads of Kin and Belonging, a powerful exhibition that holds deep meaning and importance. Preparing my painting for this show has been an intense and rewarding journey, with countless hours of thought and care going into every detail. This exhibition feels like a vital space to explore and celebrate connections, identity, and the bonds that unite us. I truly appreciate this opportunity and the support from everyone who made it possible, especially Ness, Julia, Synonym, and the people at WAG-Qaumajuq.”

— Bria Fernandes, Artist

Support

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and partnership with Synonym Arts Consultation, as well as the Manitoba Arts Council’s support of Trinnipeg Living Mixtape.

Associated Links

Threads of Kin and Belonging
Opening Celebration
The Live Mixtape
Synonym Art Consultation

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca

NT5

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