The exhibition is a ‘show of collective will’ says curator Dr. Andrea Walsh
Photo by Hailey Chutter.
A new exhibition, titled “GEORGE CLUTESI: ḥašaḥʔap / ʔaapḥii / ʕac̓ik / ḥaaʔaksuqƛ / ʔiiḥmisʔap” has entered the Legacy Art Gallery and will be showing until July 26.
The exhibition explores the work of late c̓išaaʔatḥ artist George Clutesi, who educated others on Nuu-chah-nulth values, beliefs, traditions, and culture. The Martlet sat down with one of the curators of the exhibition, Dr. Andrea Walsh, to learn more.
This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
Can you explain how the five traits — ḥašaḥʔap (protective), ʔaapḥii (generous), ʕac̓ik (talented), ḥaaʔaksuqƛ (strong willed), and ʔiiḥmisʔap (treasure) — were chosen as the title for this exhibition?
One of the things that is foundational to the exhibition is that we have been guided by both Nuu-chah-nulth Elders, particularly survivors of the (Alberni) Residential School, on how to think about curating in a good way. Very early on, in the fall of 2021, we visited c̓išaaʔatḥ territory (Port Alberni) and … we asked the oldest son of George and Margaret Clutesi [George Jr.] permission to do [an] exhibition about his dad.
At that meeting, we were advised to work with a c̓išaaʔatḥ Elder, Ann Robinson, in terms of any kind of cultural work that we would do. One of the Nuu-chah-nulth Elders, Wally Samuel (from the Ahousaht Nation) said, “if you’re doing any language work, Helen Dick from c̓išaaʔatḥ can be somebody that you can go and ask to be part of this work”.
I spoke to [Helen] about how [we] were struck by how George Clutesi is not only a historical figure of importance in terms of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and Canada and beyond, but his work has great resonance today.
When I spoke to Helen, I [asked] “is there a way that we can say in Nuu-chah-nulth “someone or something valued through time”? Is there a term that would indicate that?” and she said “no, you can’t do that, the English doesn’t go to c̓išaaʔatḥ in that way”. So, she said “what I can do is give you the words that would reflect what that means” … so, that’s what those words are; they are a reflection on the traits of the person or thing that would be valued through time. And she came forward with those words.
Can you speak about your own career as a visual anthropologist and how this exhibition emerged out of your work?
The curating that I do is deeply grounded in how I think as an artist researcher, but it is more than that defined by how I’ve been taught by community that I’m working with. A lot of that has been over the last … 13 years, working with Nuu-chah-nulth Elders and their families.
The way that the exhibition has been part of my career is a dove-tailing of my academic studio background, but more than that, it’s been guided by the generosity of the families that I’ve worked with. With whom we’ve been doing projects that are either about their family history or … the repatriation of children’s art work to survivors.
When we worked on the Clutesi show, at the beginning we took all those teachings, like going to the family, asking permission, working with a speaker from the family … it was very much about “what art will come forward?” It was very organic and relational, as opposed to collections-based. A key moment in the creation of the exhibition was when people started bringing art out of their houses for the exhibition. I just loved that.
How do you think Clutesi’s interactions with institutions affected his legacy as an artist and activist?
People often use the metaphor of “he built bridges” or he … was an “anchor in turbulent waters”. He went places that — and by went places, I mean not just physically inserted himself into places, but occupied places in people’s hearts and minds — he inserted himself into these places as a strong, confident c̓išaaʔatḥ person.
The legacy of him doing that is … I think why he’s remembered as such a leader. It truly was his humanity and kindness that made him a critically thoughtful leader. He bravely engaged difficult conversations [and] contexts. He left a legacy of inspiration for Nuu-chah-nulth people and people who are non-Indigenous people, to what is possible.
Do you have anything else to add or that you want readers to know about the exhibition?
I have to acknowledge just how many — the dozens of people — who contributed to the show. Through the Clutesi family, the Alberni Residential School survivors, the artists and scholars. The media wall was created by students through Jen Robinson and I’s museum and anthropology class, and then members of the public who came forward with their art. It really is a show of collective will.
Legacy Art Gallery is located on Lekwungen territory, at 630 Yates St. It is free to the public and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
