Radical Stitch showcases revolutionary resilient Indigenous resistance

35 Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island created the awe inspiring pieces that are incorporated into the largest contemporary Indigenous beading exhibit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

Picture: Four-Point Ply (left) and Kitchisk (right) (2019) by Audie Murray (Michif) Toilet paper and seed beads.————————————————————————————————

If you have never been to the amazing Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH), then let me give you a reason to go – Radical Stitch!

According to the AGH website:

Radical Stitch looks at the contemporary and transformative context of beading through the aesthetic innovations of artists and the tactile beauty of beads. Beading materials and techniques are rooted in both culturally informed traditions and cultural adaptation, and function as a place of encounter, knowledge transfer, and acts of resistance. Connecting to a tradition of making, exercised over thousands of years, this skill-based practice ties one artist to another, past to present and beyond.

After being immersed in this experience that stirs feelings of humility, sorrow and elation, let me just say, that the art literally blew my mind! So, I went back and had my mind blown all over again while discovering intricacies and nuances missed during my first visit.

I’m a bead junky and thought I had seen some really creative pieces, but I have never before experienced such innovative, thought provoking, precisely detailed and impeccably crafted bead work. The sheer volume of micro seed glass beads used throughout the works is an incredible feat in itself.

Radical Stitch was curated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Metis Algonquin and a member of the Timiskaming First Nation in Quebec; Cathy Mattes, Southwestern Michif in Manitoba; and Michelle LaVallee, Anishinabbe, Ojibway and a member of the Neyashiinamiing Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Cape Coker, Ontario.

The creative energy of 35 Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island fills most of the gallery space on the first floor of the AGH. So, be sure to gift yourself enough time to really appreciate the hours, days, and in some cases, months of meticulous work that these artists dedicated to creating the awe inspiring pieces that compose the largest contemporary Indigenous beading exhibit on Turtle Island.

Here’s a sampling of the range of beading that will captivate even the most reluctant among you who swear you have no interest at all in anything beaded.

Ceramic Tobacco Barrel (2020) by Nadia Myre (Algonquin-Kitigan Zibi) Ceramic and stainless steel thread.

The exhibition has traditional works — often harbouring a humourous twist — along with contemporary pieces incorporating impactful messages into the physical beauty of the artwork.

Every time I think of you I cry (2021) by Judy Anderson (Cree) Size 8 Miyuki seed beads, porcupine quills, white deer hide.

Below, the work of Margaret Nazon unites traditional beading techniques with images from the Hubble space telescope. Nazon’s series of celestial beadwork often incorporates natural elements like caribou bone and willow seeds that introduce unique, interesting textures, shapes and colours. It really is a magical masterpiece.

Milky Way Starry Night (2017) Margaret Nazon (Gwich’in) Fabric, beads, shell.

Kids, as well as many adults, will love the Sponge Bob Square Pants by Kenneth Williams Jr. or Nico Williams’ impeccably constructed J cloth complete with ‘dirt’ that looks so real I initially thought Williams’ had beaded the dirt onto a real J cloth.

Nico Williams (Anishinaabe and member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation community) created Spirit Berries — geometric on the left — in 2018 using beads, thread, and birch bark.

Woven from more than 54,000 Delica beads, the multi-faceted form presents 20 different stories including walleye fishing, Aunties at the Bingo Hall, Blueberry picking, gathering Maple sugar, snow shoeing under northern lights, a wake ceremony and legends of the birch tree.

One panel, bordered by the distinct stripes of the Hudson’s Bay Company blanket, was intentionally left blank to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

To the right is Williams’ Frozen Computer (2017) expertly made with glass beads and gold-plated thread.

Radical Stitch opened February 11th and will be on display until May 28th.

AGH is open Thursday through Sunday — check the website for hours as they vary — but Thursdays are FREE. Admission Indigenous peoples is always FREE.