College Art Galleries to present exhibition by USask graduate Wally Dion
A large-scale neon text-based sculpture will be installed outside the Peter MacKinnon Building on the USask campus
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Art Galleries and Collection is presenting an expansive exhibition by artist and College of Arts and Science graduate Wally Dion (BFA’04).
Entitled skodenstoodis, the show opens on May 13 and will run until Aug. 26, 2022, at the College Art Galleries.
As part of the exhibition, the installation of a major sculptural artwork is taking place outdoors on the USask campus in the plaza outside the Peter MacKinnon Building, facing the Bowl. The installation of the artwork is anticipated to continue until May 6.
Curator Leah Taylor (BFA’04) said that although Dion’s artistic career has gone on to see incredible national and international success, skodenstoodis will be an important hometown exhibition for him. Originally from Saskatoon (Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis), Dion is a member of the Yellow Quill First Nation (Saulteaux) who currently resides in Binghamton, NY. In addition to his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from USask, he also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design.
“Dion’s artworks address important concepts and issues related to Indigenous identity, language and resistance,” said Taylor. “The viewers can anticipate a large-scale neon text-based sculpture situated outside of the gallery, occupying a significant visual space outdoors on the grounds of the USask campus.”
Visit the USask Art Galleries and Collection website for more information about skodenstoodis as well as information about other current and upcoming exhibitions.
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