Xwalacktun
1 – 30 June 2024
Supported by Griffin Art Projects
Xwalacktun’s residency is supported by Griffin Art Projects. During his time at NIROX / the Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture, he has begun creating two works, the first made from Cedar that the artist brought with, and the second a large sculpture from a fallen oak, depicting a serpent – a common motif in much of his practice. During this time, Xwalacktun will share his knowledge by working collaboratively with South African artists and meet South African master carvers during a guided journey to Limpopo, and participate in a ten-day workshop at the Centre, “Carving X Two” with fellow artists Dada Khanyisa, Collen Maswanganyi, Ben Tuge, Usen Obot, and Simon Moshapo Jnr, culminating in the group exhibition, RELIEF, which will open on 29 June 2024.
The residency promises not only artistic exploration but also a deep dive into the rich cultural and natural tapestry of South Africa, inspiring Xwalacktun's creative journey in profound ways. Through his engagement with local artists and his immersion in the landscape, the residency aims to facilitate an impactful cross-cultural exchange, fostering connections between communities and enriching the artistic dialogue between Canada and South Africa, ultimately bridging continents through shared creativity and understanding.
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Xwalacktun is a renowned Master Carver of Coast Salish ancestry, from the Squamish and Kwakiutl clans. His remarkable work and career extend over forty years and across numerous forms, including public art, sculpture, metalwork, jewelry, glass work, drawing and printmaking. He is the recipient of the Order of British Columbia, the FANS Honours Award from the North Vancouver Arts Council which acknowledged his commitments both locally and worldwide and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. His public art awards are many, including more than thirty poles which have been presented throughout Scotland as a symbol of friendship between Canada and Europe, the 20 foot tall Squamish Pedestrian overpass spanning The Sea to Sky Highway, a red cedar memorial pole for Transport Canada, the major entry doors for the Gordon Smith Gallery Artists for Kids Building, a multimillion dollar home in Whistler featuring Xwalacktun’s four carved house posts, which received two Gold Georgie Awards in 2002, and a public work entitled, Sna7m Smanit (Spirit of the Mountain) in West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park completed in 2006.
Xwalacktun was initially self-taught with influences from his father and brother, and through careful observation of Coast Salish forms under the tutelage of Larry Joseph, became a skilled artist working to share knowledge on its unique symbolism and expression. It was at the encouragement of his father, the hereditary chief, Pekultn, from North Vancouver Seymour River, that he decided to become an artist, and enrolled at Capilano College and the then Vancouver School of Art, which later became Emily Carr University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art. After completing his degree, Xwalacktun immediately began teaching and sharing his knowledge, a lifelong pursuit which melds artistic excellence and the artist’s natural warmth and generosity of spirit, with his desire to educate others on the culture and people of the Squamish and Kwakiutl Nations, noting, “We are connected to the earth, the land, the water, the trees. We are all one.”
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