Kwaata-Nihtaawakihk: A Hard Birth

ABSTRACT

Exhibit Review Kwaata-Nihtaawakihk A Hard Birth, Winnipeg Art Gallery, 19 March - 3 September 2022 On 18 March 2022, the Winnipeg Art Gallery hosted its second-largest exhibition opening in its 110-year history, celebrating Kwaata-Nihtaawakihk A Hard Birth. When entering the gallery, I was immediately struck by its sheer openness, along with the colourful walls which break up the space nicely and move it beyond the sterile white cube popular in many art galleries. The creator of one of my favourite pieces of the show also benefitted from the delay renowned Metis artist Jennine Krauchi was grateful for the extra two years she had to work on a large, phenomenally beaded picture frame that showcases a prominent 1870 photo of Métis leader Louis Riel's provisional government.