Boarder X

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Mason Mashon, digital image

Boarder X brings together interdisciplinary contemporary art from artists of Indigenous nations across Canada who surf, skate and snowboard. In this exhibition these practices are vehicles to challenge conformity and status quo, as well as demonstrate knowledge and performed relationships with the land.

Reading the urban terrain, making a cement jungle a playground, riding the natural contours of the white immovable mountains or shredding the ever-changing waves: these are responses to the land. It is not about controlling land and water, but being humbled by their power. Beyond claiming space, the artwork recognizes human existence in relation to vast geographies and how we’ve thrived in those spaces. Surfing has a long history of Indigenous ways of being, originating from pre-contact Polynesian cultures. Skateboarding and snowboarding emerged beginning in the 60s and 80s respectively which for a time were popular in subcultures resisting the mainstream.

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This exhibit will transform the gallery space and encourages active engagement through art, culture and boarding. It is an affirmation of cultural resilience and acknowledgement of ongoing respect and reverence for the land.

As part of the opening on July 6, a full scale halfpipe will be constructed in the Gallery with demos scheduled from local businesses, Tiki Room and Colonialism Skateboard along with our sponsor Vans. Visit our event page for more details.

We will also be offering a series films that will enhance the boarding experience with ground-breaking films such as Afterglow, Riding Giants and Northern Grease. Visit our Summer Screening Program page for more details.

List of artists inlcude:

Jordan Bennett, Colonialism Boards (Michael Langan and Kent Monkman collaboration), Bracken Hanuse Corlett, Roger Crait, Steven Thomas Davies, Mark Igloliorte, Mason Mashon, Meagan Musseau, Meghann O'Brien, Les Ramsay, Amanda Strong.

This exhibition debuted at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and is curated by Jaimie Isaac, the WAG’s recently appointed Curator of Indigenous and Contemporary Art. Regina is the first stop on the exhibition’s national tour.