Adrian Stimson. Image credit Blaine Russell.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Adrian Stimson as part of the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series. In this session titled Not for the Faint of Heart: The Continuum of Decolonizing the Western Art Practice, Stimson will explore his artistic journey and the constant challenge of decolonizing his work in an often politically hostile world.
Stimson often tells people that art is not for the faint of heart, as it takes courage to face the colonial beast—an incessant and relentless process. He reflects on how, as Indigenous artists, we navigate the hostilities of a politically charged world, care for ourselves, and use our art to counter dominant narratives. He challenges us to consider: Are we truly decolonizing, or are we merely pawns in an ever-shifting game controlled by colonial powers? Akin to The Matrix, do we choose the white pill, the red pill—or simply become a pill ourselves?
Facilitated by Janine Windolph, Director of Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre, the session includes a presentation by Stimson followed by a discussion and a Q&A. This conversation will be recorded and shared following the event, but the Q&A portion will remain unrecorded. Sessions may share experiences and ask difficult questions.
About the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series
The Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a bi-monthly conversation session inviting leading Indigenous Art creators to discuss their practices and processes. The series engages an Indigenous lens across various art forms, including Literary Arts, Film and Media Arts, Digital Media, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts such as Theatre, Dance, and Music. These sessions offer a space to explore and deepen your understanding of how Indigenous artists use their disciplines as tools to decolonize artistic processes and creation.
Visit the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series page to access recordings of previous talks and learn more about upcoming sessions.