Oka art exhibit about unity

Oka unveiled an open-air Human Nature Art exhibit featuring three Kanehsata’kehró:non artists, in an event that also served as part of Oka’s campaign to build a bridge between the two neighbouring communities.

“It’s small little initiatives like that, that are positive and that showcase our culture, our language, and our talents within our community. I find it’s a great step forward,” said Samantha Karonhí:io Simon, whose daughter’s artwork was part of the show.

Lina-Rose Konwákeri Simon Mallette, Tehonie’tathe Douglas Beaver, and Jasmin Gunn are the three local artists whose work is featured in the art exhibit in front of the Myra Cree Library.

“It’s important for us to come together with these small but significant projects, where it’s just neighbours coming together and celebrating something,” said Oka mayor Patrick Hardy. “Sharing whatever it is - sports and art, or family fun - and that’s how we’re going to bring our communities together towards prosperity and hope for the future for our kids.”

The artists’ work is shown alongside text in English, French, and Kanien’kéha, the latter being translated by Kanehsata’kehró:non Mina Beauvais. The event was organized by freelance museum curator Louise Guillemette and the Oka Society of Culture and Art.

“It was the start of a new normal in a way. I wanted people to get used to seeing the Kanien’kéha language and this is part of the place. This is what makes us different here, and that enriches the culture,” said Guillemette.

Each artwork has its own significance and explores the exhibition’s theme: human nature.

For Lina-Rose, her artwork of a woman surrounded by a lush forest is about being at peace with nature at its most calm.

“The flowers bloom during the night because it represents that beauty can shine through the darkness,” said Lina-Rose.

Seeing her artwork was a moment of pride for her father, Sterling Mallette. His daughter’s talent being recognized has helped her confidence and encouraged her to create more art. Each artist received $300 for their piece, and Lina-Rose has already used some of the funds to buy art supplies, a sketchbook and a cool bag.

“Some of the older artists even going up to her picture, looking at the picture, and telling her, ‘You’re really talented, you’re really good,’ and I think it made her happy,” said Sterling, adding that some of Lina-Rose’s friends came to support her at the show.

“It feels cool, because now my art is out there and not just in my sketchbook,” said Lina-Rose.

“The experience has made me want to display my art again because I want more of my art to be out in the world, plus it’s fun to do the projects.”

For Gunn, her artwork showing a child blowing bubbles expresses happiness in creation and connecting with our vibrant and carefree inner child.

“Human nature is the theme of the art show, and I chose to focus on the language of laughter and joy,” said Gunn.

“Art is healing, it helps connect feelings to actions and understand yourself as well as others. The more we collaborate and dive into our intertwined histories, the better we can work together in the future. This is a small step in the right direction,” she said.

Lastly, for Beaver, his artwork was inspired by his healing journey. Beaver made the twisted sculpture while he was recovering from a liver transplant. It depicts two wind walkers, a story he created of two spirits who are brothers and travel the Earth during creation. For a moment the spirits stop, allowing the wind to travel through them, so they may see a new life form.

“It’s a metaphor,” said Beaver, who works as project coordinator at Reviving Kanehsatà:ke Radio (RKR) 101.7 FM.

“During healing, we often let go of certainty and become more vulnerable, more transparent, less rigid. So, they (the wind walkers) became less solid, so that they can understand something greater than themselves.”

More collaborative events are being planned between the two communities, said Hardy.

“My goal is to make sure, or work on, that when Mohawks that don’t come down to the baseball field too often, or to the dock, they feel completely at ease and comfortable, and they feel welcomed, and that doesn’t happen overnight,” said Hardy.

“I think it happens when we get together - and those little gestures that we must repeat - and we get back into a comfortable feeling of sharing and living together.”

Guillemette, who organized the event, has included Kanehsata’kehró:non in previous exhibits with her personal philosophy to bring people together. She will continue to do art projects with Kanehsata’kehró:non in the future.

“I think it’s important for the younger generation. I’m doing this for them. I want them to see that their language is in the centre of the village, and that they are welcome,” Guillemette.

The art exhibit in Oka will be displayed until September 30.

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Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter