KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – This weekend’s video(s) feature the wonderful Ursula Johnson, one of Nova Scotia’s most interesting artists.
Johnson, a performance and installation artist of Eskasoni First Nation, and a NSCAD graduate, was recently shortlisted as the Atlantic nominee for the Sobey Art Award. This first video we feature is a three-minute quick intro to Johnson’s work made for that occasion.
Next, to get a better idea of the kinds of things Johnson will tackle, check out this video where Johnson weaves a basket around her body at the 6Foot Festival, in Manitowaning, Ontario.
If all this leaves you intrigued but slightly puzzled, here is Johnson in Halifax in 2012, talking about how the traditional art of basketry has evolved, and how her work is a response to this.
It used to be that work by the shortlisted Sobey Award nominees could be seen at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, but unfortunately for us you now need to go to Upper Canada. So much for me shopping at Sobeys!
Our next chance to see Johnson here in Halifax will be at an October Nocturne event at the Public Gardens, when Johnson “will lead a synchronized group of dancers wearing headlamps and carrying glowing bow rakes around Griffin’s pond.”
Check out Ursula Johnson’s website here.
See also Weekend video: Seeking Netukulimk
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