Exhibition Balanced Forms: Xwalacktun, James, and Austin Harry

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This exhibition features Coast Salish artists Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and his sons, James and Austin Harry. In addition to his projects as a commissioned artist, Xwalacktun has worked as a cultural instructor in many school districts throughout the Lower Mainland, creating carvings with students that are displayed at the schools. Xwalacktun sees this work as a learning opportunity that supports his efforts at reconciliation. A selection of these projects are featured together in the exhibition, alongside preparatory material that demonstrates his design process.

James Harry spent his childhood and early adolescence learning First Nations form and design. He has since developed his own techniques and artistic methodology based on the traditional foundation of his heritage. Through the combination of familiar symbolism of West Coast formline, modern media, and techniques, Harry’s work pushes the boundaries of First Nations cultural traditions and the way the world functions around the confines of these understandings.

Austin Harry has created an animation in response to the devastating news that the remains of 215 children were confirmed to be on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Together, these artists seek to broaden the place held by Indigenous art and culture in the world of contemporary art.

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West Vancouver Art Museum

The West Vancouver Art Museum is operated by the District of West Vancouver through Parks, Culture & Community Services. The West Vancouver Art Museum builds awareness of diverse forms of contemporary and historical art, architecture, and design, engaging audiences with issues and ideas central to the community and the world beyond.