Rooted Here: Woven from the Land

Rooted Here: Woven from the Land celebrates the work of four prominent local Salish weavers: qʷənat, Angela George (səlilwətaɬ/Tsleil-Waututh); Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish); Skwetsimeltxw Willard “Buddy” Joseph (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Squamish); and Qwasen, Debra Sparrow (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm/Musqueam). The exhibition establishes important contexts for understanding each artist’s career, including the long history of Salish weaving, the rootedness of these traditions in the land and its resources, the interruption of Salish weaving by colonialism and the artists’ significant roles in its contemporary revival and renewal. It also creates an opportunity to better understand the crucial role these artists have played in designing the Vancouver Art Gallery’s new building and the rich significance of its woven surface.