On Now at the Kamloops Art Gallery
Cindy Mochizuki
Central Gallery
April 20 to July 6, 2024
Curated by Charo Neville
Cindy Mochizuki’s inaugural presentation at the Kamloops Art Gallery unveils a narrative tapestry woven from the threads of her artistic journey. Through four pivotal artworks, Mochizuki unveils enduring themes, embarking on a quest of material and narrative recovery. Her immersive installations delve into the intersections of memory, history, and community, amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
Based in Vancouver, Mochizuki’s work resonates deeply within Japanese Canadian communities, both in British Columbia and Japan. Collaborating closely with family members, community participants, and archives, she excavates untold immigrant stories, shedding light on transpacific connections and invisible histories.
Employing a diverse range of mediums such as audio fiction, performance, animation, and community engagement, Mochizuki’s creations transcend conventional storytelling. From the haunting echoes of Ancestral Dreams & Other Premonitions to the dynamic reimagining of Tides & Moons: Herring Capital, each piece unveils layers of history with poignant clarity.
Autumn Strawberry, 2021, and Tides & Moons: Herring Capital, 2022, serve as poignant reminders of the struggles faced by Japanese Canadians during and after World War II. Through theatrical settings and animated installations, Mochizuki breathes life into forgotten narratives, offering a glimpse into the resilience of those who endured systemic oppression.
The Sakaki Tree, a Jewel, and the Mirror, 2020, and Cave to Dream, 2019, transport viewers into realms where folklore and dreams intertwine. These multi-media installations blur the boundaries between past and present, inviting audiences to ponder the passage of time and the power of collective memory.
Through her ambitious exhibitions, Mochizuki provides a platform for intergenerational dialogue, bridging the past, present, and future. Her art serves as a beacon of resilience, illuminating the untold stories of Japanese Canadians and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. In the gallery space, Mochizuki’s creations transcend mere artworks, enveloping viewers in a dreamscape where history comes alive.
Victoria Kjargaard
The Cube
April 13 to July 6, 2024
Curated by Elsie Joe, Curator, Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park
“Pieces” emerges as a poignant collaboration between settler artist Victoria Kjargaard and Nłeʔkepmx curator Elsie Joe, forging a dialogue that transcends cultural divides. Through Kjargaard’s graphic compositions and Joe’s curatorial insight, the exhibition serves as a vehicle for reconciliation, confronting the painful legacies of the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS).
Kjargaard’s artworks serve as a solemn tribute to the victims of the KIRS, intertwining images of the school and its inhabitants with elements of nature. Each piece becomes a sanctuary for reflection, inviting viewers to confront the atrocities of the past and acknowledge the lives lost to this dark chapter in history.
Motivated by the recent discovery of unmarked graves at the former KIRS site, Kjargaard embarked on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Despite growing up in Kamloops, she found herself unaware of the school’s haunting legacy, prompting her to delve into its history as a non-Indigenous artist.
Working closely with Joe, Kjargaard translated her personal reflections into a powerful exhibition, aiming to spark dialogue and foster understanding within the wider community. Together, they navigated the complexities of sharing such sensitive histories, bridging the gap between personal reckoning and collective healing.
Kjargaard’s artistic process, involving epoxy, sanding, and layering imagery, imbues each composition with a weathered aesthetic, mirroring the passage of time and the resilience of memory. Through her evocative visuals, she strives to amplify the voices of the past and pave the way for a future rooted in unity and healing.
“Pieces” stands as a testament to Kjargaard’s journey of acknowledgment and reconciliation, offering viewers a glimpse into the profound impact of the Residential School System on Indigenous communities. As each artwork speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, it beckons us to confront our shared history with empathy and compassion, laying the groundwork for a path toward collective healing.
Kamloops Art Gallery hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursdays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (FREE admission sponsored by BCLC)
Closed Monday, Sunday, and Statutory Holidays