Jason Sikoak

The space of the Black Box inspires me to create the drawings, the figures, the patterns, that have been a part of my practice through the years. The video highlights past and present favourite themes and imagery that accompany me during the creation process; these nurture the process and eventually become artwork. 

The installation offers the audience a view into the invisible or often-overlooked steps of an artwork, such as labour, time, sketches, tests, trials, inspiration, studio playlists, improvised setups, handmade equipment, etc. Using different mediums and techniques such as Lino printing; charcoal, pencil, or ballpoint pen on paper; painting on seal skin, etc.; the works reveal Indigenous ways of working ethically and sustainably with the materials and the stories passed on to us. 

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Through an exploration of Inuk imagery, intergenerational knowledge, and the laborious creative process, the space will be evolving throughout the run of the exhibition. It will be activated during a patterning workshop and talk on August 29th, from 3pm to 5pm, where the artist will do a demonstration on hand drawn Inukaluk patterns and talk about Indigenous sustainable practices.