The Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton will host Radical Stitch, a national exhibition of Indigenous beadwork, from Nov. 30 to March 2.
The opening ceremony is set for Nov. 29. The exhibit is coming to New Brunswick from the National Gallery of Canada, and it is the only stop in Atlantic Canada.
"This groundbreaking showcase celebrates beadwork as a central medium in Indigenous art, exploring its deep cultural, historical, and political significance," the Beaverbrook Art Gallery said in a news release. "Through a remarkable collection of artworks, Radical Stitch will spotlight how beadwork serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Indigenous rights."
Radical Stitch was curated by Sherry Farrell Racette, Michelle LaVallee, and Cathy Mattes. The beadwork represents many forms of art, including wearable art, large-scale installations, and multimedia pieces. It shows beadwork's role in decolonization, resistance, and healing.
Organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how contemporary Indigenous artists engage with their histories and confront pressing social issues, the news release said. It is meant to promote dialogue about the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to contemporary art and society.
"It is truly exciting to see some of the exceptional artists and artworks I have admired for years included in this exhibition," said Emma Hassencahl-Perley, curator of Indigenous Art at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
