“Holding Our Breath” by Adrian Stimson, is a large-scale installation based on the artist’s first hand experiences and observations at a military base in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The work is informed by conversations Stimson had with soldiers, some of which were First Nations, and his impression with daily life occurring at the military base situated in the vast Middle Eastern landscape.
“…This exhibition brings together drawings, photographs, video and sculptural installations that explore the ambiguities of war by linking personal history with wider cultural and political issues. Although this work reflects on the complex situation in Afghanistan, Stimson deflects the focus away from the truncated newsreel moments to daily life affirming moments.” – excerpt from, “Holding Our Breath: The Work of Adrian Stimson” by Elizabeth Matheson.
The work includes the Stimson’s own personal perspective of serving in the military as well as his family’s history serving in the Canadian military as soldiers and historically as Blackfoot warriors. These experiences, in addition to Stimson’s time spent in Kandahar, allows the artist to approach these topics from a perspective that questions the essence of conflict and how this links between personal, cultural, and military identity.
The artist will be in attendance at the opening reception on Friday, January 4th, 2013. This exhibition will run until Saturday, February 9th, 2013.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation in southern Alberta. His work includes installation, painting, performance, video, and photography. Performances at Burning Man on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, have created “Buffalo Boy” as well as the “Shaman Exterminator” who seeks to explore the myths, falsehoods and realities of Shamanic being. He lives and works in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Articles:
AMSSA Article: Artist get the experience of a lifetime in Kandahar
Satellite Gallery Blog: Adrian Stimson Has Us Holding Our Breath
White Hot Magazine: February 2013, Adrian Stimson at Grunt Gallery
Read the Essay:
Holding-Our-Breath-The-Work-of-Adrian-Stimson