Kindred Tracings brings together the work of 4 contemporary artists: Muriel Ahmarani Jaouich, Minahil Bukhari, Russna Kaur and Michelle Sound. Beginning October 13, 2023, we welcome you to the Burnaby Art Gallery to view our curated collection of works that explores lineages and language.
Moving beyond the immediate, Kindred Tracings encompasses a rich interplay of abstraction to give shape, substance and colour to the experience—and failures—of language. By dismantling and then reconstructing language, each artist pays homage to the ancestral connections and traditions they’ve inherited.
The artists use diverse mediums to delve into kinship, uncover silenced family histories and create new visual languages celebrating enduring domestic narratives. Their exploration of abstraction allows for a universal resonance beyond personal stories.
Responding to the provocation of Cree poet Billy-Ray Belcourt, who writes, "no language is placeless," the exhibition draws influence from the historic Fairacres Mansion, built in 1911 and home of the Burnaby Art Gallery. The original architectural elements, intertwined with the Century Gardens, serve as a compelling backdrop, prompting artists to probe the transmission of visual symbols through epochs of imperialism and architectural evolution. Opening Reception: Thursday, October 12, 7-9 pm
Learn More: Kindred Tracings
Images: High resolution promotional images
Public Programs
Artist-Led Workshop
November 19, 1-4 pm
Join exhibiting artists Michelle Sound and Russna Kaur for an artist-led workshop on Sunday, November 19th.
Artist & Curator Fireside Chat
January 21, 1-4 pm
A full colour publication will be produced in conjunction with this exhibition. Join us to celebrate the exhibition and publication on Sunday, January 21.
To learn more about these and other public programs related to the exhibition, visit us online at burnabyartgallery.ca.
Burnaby Art Gallery
Since 1967, the Burnaby Art Gallery has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and presenting a contemporary and historical visual art program by local, national and internationally recognized artists. As the only public art museum in Canada dedicated to works of art on paper, the Burnaby Art Gallery endeavours to represent a variety of techniques and practices from artists of diverse backgrounds. The Burnaby Art Gallery cares for and manages more than 6,300 works of art in the City of Burnaby’s Permanent Art Collection, as well as the City of Burnaby Public Art Collection.
For more information contact:
Chris Bryan
Manger, Public Affairs
Public Affairs Office
604-570-3616 | [email protected]