Quinn Smallboy Gallery Exhibition

Thursday, August 31 – Sunday, October 1, 2023

Quinn Smallboy, a member of the Moose Cree First Nation, creates work that focuses on iconic symbols and objects of indigenous culture, such as handheld drums, dream catchers and bead work. His reinterpretation of both the traditional drum form and the practice of weaving, explores Quinn’s artist practice of what it means to be a contemporary, Indigenous artist. 

Quinn Smallboy is an MFA graduate from the University of Western Ontario (UWO). Originally from Moose Factory, Ontario, he moved to London, Ontario to complete his BFA, also at UWO.  

You can view Quinn’s gallery pieces by clicking the button below.

Join Us!

Free Handdrum Workshop with Quinn Smallboy

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Saturday, September 30, 2023 • 1:00 – 2:30pm

Closing Reception • 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Coinciding with Quinn Smallboy’s DVSA Gallery Exhibition, in this free artist talk and workshop you’ll learn how to create a visual story by looping and intertwining string within the frame of a handdrum, reminiscent of “cat’s cradle” string hand games. This reinterpretation of both the traditional drum form and the practice of weaving, explores Quinn’s artist practice of what it means to be a contemporary, Indigenous artist. FREE. Advanced registration required. Limited spaces available. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Participants must be registered in order to create a drum. 

Please note: If you do register and are unable to attend, please notify DVSA at 905-628-6357 #1 so we can open up your reserved spot to another registrant.

 

Quinn Smallboy Artist Statement  

I explore the relation between Indigenous art within the frame work of contemporary art spanning across Canada and places abroad.  Exploring the many facets of Indigenous cultures and traditions my work is an attempt to reinterpret Indigenous views in a more contemporary outlook.  The idea of disrupting traditions and norms within Indigenous cultures is challenging, meaning the idea of going against what is believed to be sacred and forbidden begs the question of, “when does Indigenous art become contemporary art? And where does it belong?” The focus of my work involves iconic symbols and objects of my culture such as the hand held drums, dream catchers and bead work.   

DVSA Gallery is generously supported by incite Foundation for the Arts.