Vessels (Holding Ground)

This version of Vessels is inspired by the concept of the ‘Dish with One Spoon’ present in Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg cultures. The ‘Dish with One Spoon' speaks of the land that is to be shared peacefully. It speaks of the collective responsibility to take only what we need to ensure that the dish will never be empty. It speaks of a reciprocity in which we take care of the land and of all living beings on it.

Vessels was part of the exhibition Holding Ground Presented at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in 2021. This exhibition was the culmination of many conversations held through hosting of the Indigenous Intergenerational Exchange led by artists Marianne Nicolson, Marika Swan and educator/media maker Nikki Sanchez, in collaboration with 12 invited participants: Gerry Ambers, Aya Clappis, Ace Harry, Lisa Kenoras, Laura Manson, Jessica Mayhew, Feather Nault, Ross Neasloss Jr, Stephanie Papik, Coral Shaughnessy-Moon, Nabidu Taylor, and France Trepanier.