Richmond Art Gallery has re-opened its doors with its first exhibit addressing Indigenous and Black identities.
The exhibition, Labour’s trace, is a duo-artist exhibition highlighting Karin Jones and Amy Malbeuf’s “historical narratives” that shape their identities.
Jones has eight installations featuring metalsmithing artworks, the art of turning metal into jewellery, with each piece referencing restraints from the period of African enslavement in North America.
“The functions of jewelry are artfully contrasted with the intended purposes of objects of restraint to create an unsettling tension in these spare, handcrafted works,” said a media statement.
Meanwhile, Metis artist Malbeuf is showcasing individual traditional Indigenous artworks that “reflect contemporary ideas and concerns.”
Malbeuf’s works uses polyethylene tarpaulin as a substitute for animal hide as well as beadwork and animal hair tufting to honour skills learned from other women sharing their cultural knowledge.
Labour’s trace exhibit will be on view until Aug. 8.
In order to maintain a safe environment, the art gallery has put in place safety protocols:
- Maximum of 10 people in the gallery at a time
- Visitors and staff are to maintain a two-metre distance. Household groups can stay together.
- Hand sanitizer is provided at the entrance.
- Cleaning practices will be in place
- Face coverings are appreciated.
Richmond Art Gallery has a new temporary entrance at the northeast side of the Richmond cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) and opening hours Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their visits by calling 604-247-8363 or email gallery@richmond.ca
