Twelve Aboriginal artists challenge preconceived notions—defining Aboriginal identity, collapsing perceptual barriers established by decades of misrepresentation, defiantly stating, “this is who we are.” This exhibition explored how contemporary Aboriginal artists have used the portrait as a means of self-expression, in spite of its long problematic history for their peoples. “The portrait is a European convention which exerts control over the subject,” explains Andrea Kunard, co-curator. “In the past, Aboriginal people were often objectified for commercial purposes.” This deeply reflective exhibition combined portrait photographs and video installations by twelve artists ― KC Adams, Carl Beam, Dana Claxton, Thirza Cuthand, Rosalie Favell, Kent Monkman, David Neel, Shelley Niro, Arthur Renwick, Greg Staats, Jeff Thomas, and Bear Witness.

Organized by the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography