In Person Only
March 1 – May 31, 2025

The rawhide sculptures were created as part of a thesis paper and graduation exhibition at Emily Carr University. Onikamow conducted extensive research into berry and plant pigments native to their ancestral land in Saskatchewan. Utilizing cranberry, strawberry, chokeberry, saskatoon berry, echinacea, and wheatgrass powders, they crafted unique paints. This required experimentation with blending techniques, as painting with plant pigments differed significantly from their usual acrylic medium.

Drawing from their experience in teaching drum-making workshops, the artist soaked rawhide and draped it over objects to dry and shape it into sculptures. They also initiated an artistic movement termed “Indigi Fringe,” focused on exploring the materials and uses of fringe within Indigenous culture and art. For these pieces, they crafted fringe using turkey and goose feathers, rabbit fur strips, suede, and horse hair.

Within the exhibition, the artist also presented ceramic pieces, including a large smudge vase and wedding vases. These traditional ceramic items are intended for ceremonial use. The exhibition was named “Nihithaw and Wazhazhe Neo-Traditions” to reflect the artist’s practice. “Nihithaw” denotes Woodland Cree, and “Wazhazhe” represents Osage, which are the artist’s two nations. The concept of Neo-Traditions highlights the contrast between contemporary abstract techniques and aesthetics and traditional methods.

The rawhide sculptures were inspired by research into Parfleche, a term used by the French to describe rawhide boxes and containers. The ceramic vases include a smudge vase with abstract geometric underglaze decoration on a red clay body and wedding vases featuring Osage script executed in the sgraffito technique on a white clay body. These works exemplify modern techniques and abstractions applied to traditional crafts.

Artist Bio:
Onikamow Tapwew identifies as Two Spirit Woodland Cree, with roots in Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and Osage, from the reserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, as well as mixed European heritage. They are skilled in a variety of artistic disciplines, including sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramics, beading, sewing, and regalia making. The artist holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design. They have participated in numerous art exhibitions across Canada and are aspiring to become an art teacher.