Art has the power to transform, but only if we can see it. A new exhibit takes artwork out of the galleries and confronts us where we live. Mohawk curator and scholar Lee-Ann Martin curated the Resilience project, which brings the artwork of 50 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women artists to billboards across Canada. 

From June 1 to August 1, look for work by Mary Longman, Jennie Williams, Daphne Odjig, Annie Pootoogook, and many others. With a theme of “resilience,” expect to be blown away by the depth and power of these artists to alter our perceptions and mobilize for change. 

Lori Blondeau, Asiniy Iskwew, 2016.

“For these artists, resilience is embodied as endurance, adaptability and sovereignty in relation to customary practices, contemporary identities, the land, and the impact of colonial practices and strategies,” writes Martin. “The large-scale billboard images exist outside of art galleries, standing alongside the country’s roadways. The artists stand as defenders of their cultural sovereignty and protectors of this land.”

Learn more about the project here.