Wrapped in Culture

Wrapped in Culture is a collaborative project that brings together ten Indigenous artists from Australia and Canada. Working over the course of three weeks in November 2017, the artists created contemporary versions of an Australian Aboriginal possum skin cloak and a Blackfoot buffalo robe. This revives two culturally distinct, yet similar, artistic traditions that were used historically for both sacred and practical purposes. The artists worked collectively to complete the pieces from start to finish, including the design, construction and implementation, while visitors were invited to join in and learn about the history of these two culturally significant textiles. The robe and cloak are also objects that hold deeper meaning related to the identities of the artists, the significance of family and place, and the importance of intercultural exchange; creating kinship and understanding through the acts of making, sharing, and teaching.

This project was made possible through the Canada Council for the Arts New Chapter and partnerships with the City of Ottawa and Carleton University Art Gallery.

Wrapped in Culture Website

Virtual Tour

Support generously provided by the Eva Boros Furesz Estate.

Wrapped in Culture, installation view, Ottawa Art Gallery, 2019. Photo: Justin Wonnacott.