KENNETH LAVALLEE Ociciwan
Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre 10124 96 St Edmonton, AB
The mural Ociciwan, designed by Métis artist Kenneth Lavallee, draws inspiration from the organizations name. The translation “the current comes from here” is visualized by the artist to convey an energy of engagement with Indigenous contemporary culture, linking present with the past and the future. As a millennial Métis man, Lavallee made it his objective to advance ways of thinking about Métis art in the 21st century:
I didn’t grow up with traditional beadwork or weaving sashes, my creations resulted from Microsoft Paint and Windows 3.1. Nearly 3 decades later I am now fully intertwined with computers, and though the technology has advanced dramatically, they are still tools that I am using to translate my personal understanding and lived experience with traditions and history. My ancestors, due to racial and colonial attitudes towards the first peoples of the land, didn’t exactly have the opportunity or time to design and create towering, plasma-cut steel sculptures, 5 story tall graphic artworks and painting entire buildings with graphic art… but I do! And I have to take advantage of this era I’m in.
The rippling effects form at heart level. Close up the image is pixilated but as you move back the image reflected the waves, rippling out from the centre.
Interacting with the wall up close it’s hard to see the bigger picture, but from a distance it becomes clear that you yourself can become the genesis of the currents, one of many ‘making waves’ if you will, that can have ripple effects for generations to come.
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Accessibility notes: Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre is barrier-free and is equipped with a lift to reach upper floors and lower floor gallery. Single stall and wide stall washrooms available on every floor. Children are welcome! Change tables available in select washrooms.
ETS stops at 96 Street and Jasper (routes 2, 5, 88, 120, 308, 309), 97 Street and Jasper Avenue (3, 14, 100, 109, 161, 162). Paid city street parking and paid Impark lots available.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the Edmonton Arts Council.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Translating a primarily two-dimensional art practice into physical experiences which occupy and influence tangible space has been motivating Kenneth Lavallee’s work as of late. Through public sculpture, large scale murals, kinetic sculpture and object design, Lavallee explores traditional ideas of balance, order, harmony and interconnectedness gathered from both Indigenous and Western learning and employs them in response to the environments and opportunities presented to him.
Kenneth is of Métis descent, and lives and works in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Treaty 1 territory and birthplace of the Métis Nation).